Mel Designs

Heat Transferred T Shirts with Neenah EPC Film

When I was asked to be a part of this blog hop to promote a new environmentally friendly product, I can't tell you how excited I was. Neenah EPC Film is a vinyl free, cuttable film from Neenah Paper Inc. It comes in red, blue, green, white and black but as soon as a received by product, I knew straight away that I would be using a ton of the black. Currently, it can be purchased on Amazon.com.

I love to die cut, specifically using products by Sizzix. So I grabbed a few of the newer dies I recently recieved and my big shot machine and went into action. I also used Rit dye to customize white t shirts that were stained and needed a face lift.

I used Apple Green and Fuschia to dye my shirts in a container filled with hot water. These are two of my favorite Rit Dye colors and I knew I would be pleased with the result.

You can use Rit powdered or liquid dyes in the washing machine as well but I like to maintain a certain degree of control over the intensity of the shades so I usually dye using water that is at least 140 degrees and heat set my fabric in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl with the fabric wrapped in plastic. Along with ringing and rinsing the excess dye from the fabric using an old towel, this seems to prevent the dye from fading or bleeding in the wash. Another tip is to always hand dye using latex gloves. This saves a lot of time washing dye off your hands and from under your nails!

I chose Sizzix Bigz Die in Bird images and Chandelier to cut images from the EPC Film along with Serif Essentials die cut set. It is very important to note that you must die cut with the paper side facing up when using symbols like letters or numbers or when you want your motif to face a certain direction.

Here are my birds facing different directions. I added some Elegant Flourishes to resemble branches after seeing them all laid out. 

Tranferring the EPC Film to the fabric is very similar to using iron on t shirt transfers. If you follow a few rules, its easy.

Never use an ironing board. You will need a firm surface, preferably waist high so that you can apply firm, two handed pressure to the images. Use the highest heat setting on your iron. Work patiently, the larger the image, the more time it will take to transfer. Let the images cool completely before peeling back the paper to make sure the film has transferred.

 
If your image has not transfered onto the fabric when you check, repeat the process.

Additionally, I would highly recommend not peeling away any of the paper until your entire design has transfered. When a hot iron hits the film, it will burn very easily.

 
I added some textured embellishments, hand sewn onto my shirts to add some dimension.

 I can see lots of possibilities for using this product with fashion and home decor items. Tote bags, canvas shoes, hats and aprons to name a few. How about pillows, tea towels or even custom curtains?

Looking forward to see what the other designers come up with? Every Thursday from now until October 18th, you can see a cool project from some of the industries most talented designers. Here is the line up-

Thursday September 27 Ann Butler- www.creativitystirsthesoul.com

Thursday October 4 Eileen Hull- http://eileenhull.blogspot.com/

Thursday October 11 Jonathan Fong- http://www.stylewithasmile.tv/

Thursday October 18 Debra Quatermain-http://www.debraquartermain.com/ceoblog     

 

Live Life Creatively, 

 

                                                   

Hand painted and Embellished Jacket

The subtle colors of light blue, pink, and light brown remind me of a beautiful Fall sunset. The kind that you just have to stop and stare at, because there are so many intermingling of beautiful colors that remind you of an artist palette. It was this in mind that inspired me to create this hand painted and embellished jacket with products by my favorite fabric manufacturer, Jacquard Products. By mixing the colors of Neopaque and Luminere I needed with water, I created color washes that turned a boring tan jacket into a fun work of art with a very soft texture.

 
  
To begin, start off by lining the inside of the jacket or blouse you are altering with waxed or parchment paper. This will keep heavy applications of the colors from bleeding through.

Paint the pocket top flaps Lumiere Crimson and other desired trims on the front of the jacket. Next, dry brush the pockets using the same color.

Next, create a color wash with Lumiere in Pewter and Neopaque brown by mixing the paint with water in a 3:1 ratio. This will apply very soft application of the paint. Repeat the color wash procedure with the Crimson and dry brush in a random fashion on the sleeves.

I added a color wash of Lumiere True Gold to the bottom of the jacket to add that beautiful sheen that really makes your altered clothing and accessories stand out. To create the sky blue color, mix Neopaque in Blue to white, in a 5:1 ratio. You will really need to use a small amount of blue to a larger amount of white to create that soft blue hue reminiscent of the Fall sky. I added it to the front and sleeves first.

 At this point, you have a "black canvas" on the back of the jacket. Here's what you can do.

Dry brush the back with a heavy application of the blue mixture.

Use a large foam stamp covered with StazOn solvent ink to stamp a motif in the back center of the jacket.

Let the paint and ink dry and heat set with an iron on a low setting. Then, add a rolled ribbon flower to the center by hand sewing it on. If you do not know how to make rolled fabric or ribbon flowers, see this post on my newspaper origami pouches using the flowers as embellishments.

Next, sew or pin on a vintage brooch embellishment or button. I know you probably have heirlooms you would rather not use and these can be pricey at antique shops. Melissa Francis carries an affordable line of reproductions that can be purchased from Scrapbook.com.

If you want to, keep embellishing your stamped motif until you are happy with the result. Sew on embellishments in lieu of using glue, so they will stay in place during wearing and washing.

I ended up adding another rolled flower or two and sewed on Crystal stones. I also drew a circle (traced a plate) with a black tee juice fabric marker and opted to color on the stamped design to make it pop a little more.

I love knife pleats, and recently created a whole lot of striped muslin ribbons dyed with Jacquards IDye. Once I had the muslin strips dyed, I machine sewed knife pleats to make pleated strips. I pinned this the circle and machine sewed it in place.

This is the bottom of the jacket, to which I added another stamped detail.

 I added free from stitching in a random motion all over the jacket, except for the sleeves.

To pull the front of the jacket in with the back detail, add some rows of pleats above the pocket flaps and these fun enameled french number plates which can be purchased at Scrapbook.com. (Tim Holtz Ideology)

The fall sky is the limit! Have fun turning a jacket you don't norrmally wear, into a work of art you will be proud to wear.

Neopaque and Lumiere paints as well as tee juice markers can be purchased from Dick Blick.

Reproduction Vintage bling along with enameled number plates can be purchased from Scrapbook.com.

Live Life Creatively,

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

 


 
 

More ideas for Furniture Caster Pendants

 
So about a month ago, I showed you my new idea for turning common wood furniture casters into cool things like pendants, napkin rings, gift package embellishments and refrigerator magnets. 

Purchased for about $5.00 for a package of four, 

Overtaken with the idea of making them in themed necklace pendants, I added a special section to my new etsy shop with pendants made from these super easy purchases from home improvement stores such as Lowes.

I cannot wait to come up with more ideas for these. What theme would you create? I glue a 2 1/2"circle to the center of the framed wood and then go to town using stamps, crystals, clay pieces and other embellies to create them.

Today, I released two new offerings on my etsy shop. Check them out by clicking here and remember that ordering by July 15th with coupon code MelDesigns1 scores you free shipping.

So be unique. Wear one of these unique pendants made of furniture casters and stand out! Or better yet- make one of your own and share it here!

Live Life Creatively,

 

  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Repurposed Furniture Caster Pendant

We recently moved a large sectional sofa from our den to our upstairs media room. Since it was originally on hardwood floors, my hub had placed furniture casters under the legs. My little pup chewed up a few, but I managed to save a few since I thought they would be perfect for creating such things as napkin rings, ornaments and pendants.

If you don't have some to repurpose, you can buy some pretty inexpensively from home improvement stores such as Lowes.

I used my Neopaque paints from Jacquard to paint the caster black. I painted a 1 1/2 circle black, waxed it, and then painted it white, using a sanding block to remove some of the white paint for a distressed look.

I then used this sweet swallow mold from a super cool supplier of molds: mad about molds.  

I used cernit clay to create my swallow. If you are unsure how to use these bisque type of molds, mad about molds has a really quick video demo you can view by clicking here.If you are unfamilar with Cernit Clay, it is distributed by Jacquard products and perfect for making both sophisticated and whimsical arts and crafts projects, including: miniatures, dolls, buttons, beads, jewelry, and for adding sculptural elements to any project.

I used an acrylic block to make sure the clay was pushed all the way into the mold. Then I used a plain craft knife to cut away portions of the clay.

Bake in an oven on a clay dedicated sheet at 275 degrees, about 15 minutes for every 1/4" of thickness.

I accidentally baked mine at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and got a burned, puffed up swallow. I ended up liking the effect so I used the piece anyway.

To finish the pendant, I drilled holes at the top and the bottom of the caster, inserted really large (like 18mm) silver jump rings and glued the circle and bird to the center.

I stamped sing in black Staz on and added a few beads and gem stones. I cannot wait to make a set of napkin rings with these!  I sure am glad we moved that sofa!

Live Life Creatively,

 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 


 
 
 
  
 

Last day- Post card Charms 40% off at Gigis Petals

 

Many of you have inquired about my postcard charms as featured in my etsy shop. I have great news for you today- Today only, I am offering them at a 40 percent discount through GiGi's Petals.

These come in a set of six miniature wood postcard charms perfect for jewelry making, cardmaking, scrapbooking and altered art. Each postcard is 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" and finished on both front and back with inked distressed edges. The front and back represent the actual vintage postcards. *Necklace is an example of how the post cards can be used (necklace, pearl, and flower not included).

Predrilled holes make them perfect for charms. Antique postcards found at flea market.

 

Click on the GiGisPetals Logo above and create an account by entering your email address. It will take you straight to today's deal! My postcards deal  will be on the bottom left! Dont wait! Last day...

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Embellished and Appliqued Thrift Shop Skirt

I often go into resale shops looking for the plainest, most uninteresting pieces of clothing or home decor pieces I can find. There is something deeply rewarding in taking a so-so or boring item and using your creativity to turn it into something SWELL!!

So, when I happened upon this a line pinned striped plain jane skirt a couple of weeks ago, I knew it was just what I was looking for. I wanted the a line because I had the urge to add a flirty little bottom to the edge.

So, armed with some tulle and some silk material, I added subtle ruffles to the bottom of the skirt by first sewing a straight line of tulle to the bottom and then a black silk layer. I then gathered some tulle, knife pleat style and sewed it to the top of the skirt to hide the stitching left by the under layers.

Next, I hand sewed some rhinestone chain to the center of the gathered thread, using a hand sewing needle and strong beading thread.

OK- now I have my flouncy bottom- hmmmm- what to do with the surface of the skirt? You guessed it- a combination of light dry brushing and of course, appliques!

To create my appliques I started by using a tee juice marker and writing in faux script on Cindy Walters Stabilized Fabric by Jacquard Products.

Stabilized Fabric are paper-backed fabric sheets that are ideal for painting and drawing on fabric. The paper helps to keep fabric from shifting while working. Just peel the paper off when finished.

Once I had enough hand scripted fabric for several pieces, I cut them into circles and framed them with grey felt cut larger with a center opening. I fused the grey felt to webbing so I could iron the pieces onto the skirt.

Before I added more appliqued pieces to the skirt, I dry brushed the skirt here and there randomly with Lumiere Metallic Silver in a 1:1 ratio mixed with water.

Lumiere is available in a stunning assortment of metallic and pearlescent paints brush on like butter and are designed not to spread. They allow for smooth application on soft or flexible surfaces like fabrics and uneven textures like Styrofoam. Lumiere colors can be bright, metallic or subtle, even on dark backgrounds. Their high pigmentation provides excellent coverage.

I continued by adding leaves and stems and of course, BIRDS!

I love my sweet little skirt. I showed my Dad my new creation and he asked "Where are you gonna wear that?" I said, "anywhere I want, DAD, I am an artist!"

Live Life Creatively,

 

 

Painted and Sewn Flower Embellishments From Recycled Jeans

I hate throwing anything away. Especially old, worn blue jeans. It's hard to let go but once you decide that the old jeans are just too covered with paint, rips and other stains and such, you HATE the idea of tossing them. Blue jeans can be recycled into so many cool things. From hand bags to pocket organizers, the possibilities are endless.

I decided to cover an old pair with Jacquard's Neopaque and Lumiere paints, in random swatches.

I painted one color in random places, letting that color dry before moving on to the next one. I really didn't know where the whole process was going but I knew I loved the effect and color combination I used to make this Drip Art Painted Tote.

Once I had completely covered the jeans. I decided to cut them up and die cut them into layered flower shapes using my Sizzix BigShot die cutting machine and a layered flower die. Oh, I also threw in a pair of old leather pants that I haven't worn in a decade or so...

if you want to do this, alternate the leather pants (you could use an old purse or boots too) with the painted denim on the different shapes on the surface of the die.

Use fabric glue, such as Aleenes Fabric Fusion to glue the pieces together. Free form cut a circle for the center and place a pretty jeweled brad in the center to hold all the pieces together.

Boy! Does one pair of old jeans and leather pants make a ton of these flowers! Add to the whole effect by free form stitching around the edges of the flowers. You may need to trim the edges of the flanges of the brad so it does not hit your sewing needle if you get too close to the center.

I'll bet you can think of all kinds of things to do with these flowers created from painted and sewn pants. The first thing that came to my mind was fashion.

I sewed several to the neckline of a plain cotton top.

I made some cuffs by lining up three or four flowers and sewing them together at the edges.

I also created a statement necklace. Worn with the cotton top, its a look that is completely over the top.

What would you do with these flowers? Leave me a comment and let me know. I love hearing your unique ideas!

Live Life Creatively,

I Have Been Featured in Altered Couture Magazine

And what makes it so special to me is that this is first. Stampington produces upscale, remarkably high quality content and the photography is first rate. The items featured are so unique. Take this "bottom on the top" dress created by Tracy Schultz, how out of the box can one possibly think?

Altered Couture is a 160-page publication dedicated to altered and embellished clothing and accessories. It is filled with gorgeous photographs of altered jackets, t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, skirts, and more, accompanied by easy-to-understand techniques and endless inspiration. You'll find new ways to transform your own garments and accessories into fabulous works of wearable art. Now you don't have to throw your clothes away! Altered Couture will show you creative ideas on how you can add a twist to your attire with just a few resources: dyes, paints, bleach, rubber stamps, threads, buttons, beads, and more!

Beth Livesay, the esteemed editor of Altered Couture, chose to feature two of my projects I sent into her. One is tmy altered Springtime blazer.

I altered it by cutting off the lapels and replacing that collar with ruffles. I used lots of free form stitching and wool felt appliques.

Lots and lots of detail here! I also sent my tree of life corduroy jacket and that was featured as well. This one combines hand stitching the appliques in place in lieu of
machine stitching using a cozy blanket stitch.

As we move from Winter into Spring, there are so many inspiring projects in this issue that you will be longing to create!

The current copy of Altered Couture can be ordered here.

Live Life Creatively,

Painted Handbag Using Products by Jacquard

If you do a lot of DIY projects, you probably know what I am talking about when your friends and family show up with loads of tossed off items that "they just knew you could do something with it." I am lucky to have that problem. When my first cousin brought me this interesting silver toned pleated purse, I immediately was inspired to make it a lot more interesting using products by Jacquard.

Using Lumiere and Neopaque in a variety of colors, I painted each of the pleats on this bag a different color, including the ruffles.

I love using Lumiere on surfaces such as leather and vinyl because it adds such a rich shine. Neopaque is the perfect compliment to it because it covers the surface with an opaque finish. This means you do not have to use multiple coats the surface, usually one does the trick!

To add details, I used the handle of a foam brush and black neopaque paint to create dots on the pleat that was painted Neopaque in turquoise.

On the white panel, I opted for stripes painted in Lumiere Crimson. I added details with a black fine point tee juice marker. I have recently discovered the fun of using tee juice markers on top of Jacquard paints.

I continued decorating each panel in a different design, using markers as needed.

This was a really fun project! And I saved a nice bag from the trash bin.

Jacquard Lumiere, Neopaque and Tee juice markers can be purchased from Dick Blick Art Materials.

Live Life Creatively,

Painted and Doodled Canvas Totes

  
The plain canvas tote. A perfect surface for painting and doodling using Jacquard's Lumiere, Neopaque and Tee Juice Markers. Big totes, perfect for shopping are cropping up everywhere as an alternative to those plastic monsters. You can buy them anywhere and everywhere, but why not have a ball customizing your own. Here are two ideas...

 Start with a plain canvas tote that can be purchased virtually anywhere, including Joanns, Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I like these from Eco-bags since they are softer in texture and seem extremely well made. I chose black because I am going to experiment with dry brushing Neopaque and Lumiere paints on the top to add an interesting texture and then doodle over the paint with Tee Juice Markers.

I started with a coat of Lumiere in Pewter, dry brushing back and forth to create a nice texture. My goal is to create a light coat of texture on both sides, but to also let some of the black show through.

Next I added a dry brushed coat of Neopaque in White. I brushed horizontally as well as vertically to create an interesting background for doodling.

Now its time to doodle...

 
To start the process of a large doodle surface, I usually begin with a central motif and add to the motif going outward. For a more detailed evolution of a doodled surface see this post on a Doodled T shirt with Tee Juice markers.

 
 
  Here is the final result...

Remember your tote will stand out more if you do both sides. I discovered that the tee juice markers work very well on top of the painted surface. I am going to try this with a plain cotton t shirt next.

For my second tote, I painted the background Neopaque Turquoise and White and also added some Metallic Silver Lumiere to add that sparkle factor. I chose a simple doodling technique for this tote, I used a fine point Tee juice marker and faked script words on the white parts, where it would show up. To do this, start with a recognizable letter in caps and then finish the word with indecipherable scribbles.

Further embellish your tote by adding die cut hearts cut from tossed away sweaters. Mine were cut from an old ribbed turtleneck.

To embellish the heart centers, I added Flower Centers in Dynasty Ivory by Prima Marketing. These can be purchased from Scrapbook.com and sewn on the hearts.

Whatever design you choose, your tote is sure to be a real eye catcher when you customize it. You will relish the creative process as well.

Neopaque, Lumiere and Tee Juice Markers can be purchased from Dick Blick.

 Live Life Creatively,