Makeover of Vintage design suitcases

This pale green suitcase - large size;  Ivory suitcase - small size.

I found this charming vintage design mini suitcase at Romantika at Wangsa Walk Mall one Thursday afternoon. I do find surprises at this shop some times. The company carries a wide range of vintage country style home decorative products. Many of their products are being produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia. thus the company can offers an affordable retail prices.

I was delighted to carry the suitcase home together with 3 other vintage design photo frames. It comes with 3 sizes of  large for RM39, medium for RM35 and small for RM29. A GREAT DEAL! There were couple of designs available for these mini suitcases with French vintage theme. All of them were in linen and ivory shades as base color except the one that I bought. You may try to get it from other Romantika's outlets if you like this pale green suitcase. 

Large size suitcase with romantic print 

Medium size suitcase with French vintage print 

Few days later, I visited another outlet of Romantika at Wangsa Maju which is just next to Wangsa Walk Mall and I bought another two more suitcases. I had to sneak them into my house to avoid any unnecessary attention from my husband. He is a great husband, it was just my own guilt for spending again.

The brown PVC bands on the bag were actually glued around the border of the case instead of what it appeared to be stitched on. It is not strong and can easily be detached from the bag. The handle is screwed onto the bag with tiny screws. It is not advice to fill the suitcase with heavy load. The finishing of the suitcase is not great but it was a good deal for the price I paid.

The medium size suitcase sits perfectly in the large size one;
the small size suitcase would sit perfectly in the medium one.

The internal was just plain black with no compartment. I had an idea to make it look better and more useful. I laid pretty fabrics on the inner cover and base and stitched two pocket compartments on the inner cover. This is certainly useful as storage for my scrapbooking and crafting items.  I love that I can now conveniently carry them anywhere I go. I craft whenever I am waiting for my girls for their classes, when I am visiting my in-laws, when I am traveling  back to my hometown, and even when I was at the clinic. Perhaps I can plan a scrapbooking trip with my good friend,Lee Ing, in the future.

First makeover completed

For those of you who couldn't travel without a makeup case. These suitcases could be a good alternative choice as compared to the more commonly seen cosmetic case with monograms. Let's design it with some pocket compartments, sew a few loops to hold brushes and combs in the inner cover and even an attached mirror.  You can make dividers inside the suitcase to organize your cosmetics.

Second makeover for medium size suitcase

With some effort, the suitcase being transformed into a makeup bag.

Having a sewing suitcase is definitely a must for me. I had already started carrying it around.

Here is the third makeover for a large size suitcase

I love personalize my things - It is my LV, Prada....

Upcycled the elastic band from my daughter's old pant onto this suitcase

The elastic band prevent the materials from dropping out

Screwed on the elastic band & a bead as button

For parents, wouldn't your kids look lovely to carry these little suitcases as their lunch or crafts boxes? For people who travel with their pills, this can be your medicine box. There are many more ways to use it for storage. If nothing else, it is simply a beautiful display item.

The next time you bumped into a mother with her two girls carrying the same little suitcases - it is very likely that I am the mother:)

Click here for tutorial ( Yup,Just got them readied today on 20 March 2012).

Join me on Linky Followers

Google suspends Google Friend Connect today on March 1st to all non blogger blog. There is also a strong rumor that they will also cancel GFC for Blogger in the near future.

I have added Linky button on my blog page on the top right corner. Based on the stat on my blog, I know there are many regular readers that had not join to follow me. I had love to see those who enjoy my blog to join me here and my non Blogger followers to continue following. Your support would be great encouragement for me to continue to share my experience and creativity.

LINKY FOLLOWERS (http://www.linkyfollowers.com/)

For bloggers, you can go to the above web address to add a Linky Follower button to your sidebar! 

My little girl first sewing project

Sniff and I am fast asleep

My daughter Ning began asking me this question since she was four -" Can I learn to sew?" My answers has always been -" Not yet. Your fingers are not strong enough to hold the needle firmly." Her next question would often be-"At how many years old can I start sewing?" I answered- "Perhaps in a year or two when you are almost six." She would then walk away disappointedly.

Two weeks ago, when I was working on a sewing project, Ning came close to me and pleaded for a sewing lesson. My answer was positive this time. She suggested for her to begin with a simple project by learning to sew in straight line. She rejoiced with a cry and wanted to start immediately. I was too engrossed with my own sewing and asked for sometime to plan for her a project rather than just sewing straight line on a piece of fabric.

Few days later, I came up with the idea to teach Ning to sew a lavender cushions sachet. She loves lavender and would often inhale its sweet and soothing scent from my little old jam bottle that I store my lavender. Felt would be a great material to use for kids sewing project. Wool felt is too expensive and difficult to get locally, but synthetic felt material is readily available in most sewing supplies shops. So, a felt lavender sachet was the plan.

Lavender sachet

Great work for a  5 & 1/2 year old beginner

Ning was so excited from the very beginning when we chose the color for the felt and embroidery thread. I marked the sewing lines and demonstrated to her before she started. I was worried about her getting hurt but Ning learnt very well and didn't even get poked by needle. She stuffed some poly fiber and inserted a tiny lavender pillow which I made into the sachet before closing up the seam on one of the side. I helped her to knot the thread. Mission accomplished in one sewing session in the afternoon. She proclaimed she loves sewing and wanted the next project right away! I was surprised and happy with her enthusiasm for sewing. I foresee they would be many great moments we could cherish in the future.

She hugged the small lavender sachet into sleep that night. Her satisfaction and happiness warmed me up.

Hand dyed Indigo batik placemats

Right after I finished making the dove appliqué placemats, I decided to make a set of placemats for daily use at home. My present set of placemats was made more than 4 years ago using an old wrap around skirt. They are really worn out from regular used.

It took me very long time to decide on which fabric to use and the theme for this new set of placemats. I got confused with a full cupboard of beautiful materials I collected over the years. Many of them were acquired on various travelling trips abroad. Finally, I went for my favourite fabric -the indigo dyed batik. These few pieces of fabrics used here were produced by the infamous water town of Wuzhen, which also regarded as the Venice of the east in the north of Zhejiang Province, China. For the info of my American readers, Wuzhen was the destination for the World of Quilts Travel from United States that was organized last year.

Set of six placemats with three different prints

Front and back view of placemat with Wuzhen batik and linen.

Unlike batiks in other regions of China and around the world who usually use bee wax and wax for the dye resist process, the indigo hand-dyed batiks in Wuzhen are unique with its used of bean flour paste for the dye resist process.   The artisans in Wuzhen still use the technique and natural plant dye like it was done centuries ago.

I love to utilize the selvages of fabric as part of design. The selvage of burlap linen that I used for this project added a rustic charm to this handmade project. 

Ready for dinner

I am going to cook a good meal for my family this evening and decorate the table with these new placements and pretty blue & white crockery. I know some of you may be considering on the cleaning part... but you could just be a little cautious when you eat and get the chance to practice a good table manner :) I would lay a bigger plate under my younger daughter's plate of food to prevent staining onto the mat. I am lucky if she can use the mat thrice.

For tutorial and template, click here. (Sorry this is not ready yet. Please check again in few days time and I will have the link connected to Yann's tutorial from the highlighted words)

Placemat with dove applique

The dove that escaped the placemat?

I still haven't got through with my 'bird flu'.  I made 6 place mats with the dove design after I completed the fabric birds and duo sided festive table runner projects.

The placemat making processes included steps like painting, appliqué, embroidery and sewing. The place mat is padded with interfacing material and it sits firmly on the table.  It turned out so sweet and pretty that I decided to use them only on special occasions, most likely during Christmas.

Christmas tea time

My daughter asked if I was going to sell those mats and how much would I sell them for. I guess I would have to make another set before I am willing to sell the first set away. I would consider selling on Etsy for $12 each or a set of 6 for $66 when I eventually set up a seller account. (Etsy is a social commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies) As for now, I have very little things to start my shop in Etsy.

Click here for tutorial on how to make this lovely placemat. Change the colour, tag and you can modify the design to fit any occasion.

Fun time making mixed media art

It was an artsy fartsy Sunday for us last week. I decided to spend time to guide my girls to do mixed media artworks. This is  something that I had been wanted to do with them since  Ning inspired me with one of her many creations,  see image on the right. I love how she upcycled the harden play dough which I told her to throw away.

The girls welcomed the idea of an art project with excitements.  They were especially excited when they see me bringing out my stamps and ink pads to share with them.  It is a big treat for them to get to play with the “forbidden” tools at home.

I thought collage would be a fun project.   I got this idea some time ago when I saw Ning doodling on my outdated business cards. I found these little artworks fun and interesting and had kept them up for an art project. We had been saving embellishments from broken hair clips, old shoes and Christmas ornaments; reserving used gift ribbons and wrappers, fabric scraps, pretty brochures and catalogues..... and even corrugated boxes for upcycling projects.  All these materials came in handy for  a project like this one.

Zen came up with the idea of wrapping news paper on the  corrugated board and then layered it with paints all over the newspaper. She created a beautiful half translucent effect on the prints and images of the newspaper by surprise. Then, she went searching on my treasure box for pom poms fringes..... I went on to guide her on layering by using stamps and marker. With very little guidance, Zen created a lovely piece of artwork.

As for Ning,  she decided to paste  the pieces that she created on my outdated business cards onto the corrugated board and she decided to add on other items she found in our collection of elements. I showed Ning how she can linked all the elements in her artwork with strokes and lines, and that she can create a stylish piece of work even when it looks kind of messy. She went on to create images with free hand drawings, stamps, and doodling words onto the cardboard.  She uses various materials like poster colors, ink and crayons for those images.   She went bold with her strokes and achieved a wonderful piece of artwork.

The above artwork created by Zen is lovely and sweet. It looked like a real nice handbag :)
Looking at her art piece, I realized how much she has grown. She is more of a teenager than a kid even when she is only 10.

Ning's work is charming. I like the phrase ' Ning's Happy'. Indeed, she is happy when she does art.

Duo Sided Festive Table Runner

Christmas Theme - Dove represents Holy Spirit and symbol of peace

Chinese Lunar New Year Theme - Peony flowers are known as riches and honour for Chinese

When I was planning for my next project, I brought out the pre-cut fabrics for a Christmas theme table runner that I didn't get to complete it for the recent Christmas. I know Christmas had just past. But the good thing is we can look forward to the next one. Therefore, I decided to finish it with a new addition to it - making it a duo sided table runner with one side features of Christmas theme and the other side Chinese Lunar New Year.

I don't have any sketch and just made use of the sizes of fabric available. My pre-wash natural linen burlap was in square and too short as table runner for my coffee table at home. Anyway, I was too keen to start the project right away that I cut the fabric in half and joined them to form a long fabric. Then, I decided to make the scallop ends. Being too eager to see the result, I sewed it before I had the complete idea for the table runner. I painted the images after almost completing sewing it and left an opening for turning. I had to lay a piece of paper between the two layers of fabric to prevent stain on the other side. I would advice one who is going to make this table runner to paint the images before stitching it. This was my first experience to embroider with stem stitch which I did on the olive leaves and "Noel".

Stem stitch is used to embroider " Noel" & olive leaves; Doves & wings were painted with acrylic paint

The doves and wings were sequential effect of sewing the fabric birds earlier. Dove represents Holy Spirit and also symbol of peace which made them great icon for Christmas theme table runner. 

As for the Chinese Lunar New Year theme, I chose the enchanting peonies that are full of body and rich in colours as main subject. Peony is the auspicious symbol in wealth and prosperity for the Chinese. It has been used extensively in pottery designs, embroidery and painting subject since ancient Chinese. Whereby dragonfly is associated with prosperity, harmony and taken as good luck charm. Lastly, the Chinese character "Chun" which bore the meaning of spring was embroidered on the table runner. This is sure to be an auspicious table runner.  :)

Without delay, I laid the table runner with peonies facing up on my coffee table right upon completion for the Chinese Lunar New Year is drawing near. Last week I had just brought down all Christmas decors and tomorrow would be my busy day for another session of new decor.

For those of you who like to try this out, click here for template and tutorial which included a video demo of painting the peonies.

Acrylic paint for the peonies and dragonlies; stem stitch on embroidery

Auspicious elements of Chinese

Fabric Birds

Once Upon A Time

Sew Sunny Homestyle by Tone Finnanger is a book with beautiful ideas on sewing projects and it comes with gorgeous pictures . I fell in love with it as  soon as I received the book. Its nostalgic, country and fairy tale like projects would capture the hearts of many girls. There are plenty of projects that I wished to work on but to date I have only sewed some fabric birds.

My first batch of fabric birds was made with English country style print materials. Just the way they were made in the book.  I made them for one of my fun outing in Kaka Art Market - a local talent art market in Kuala Lumpur. Some were sold, some were given away as gifts and left two I reserved for myself.

I love the colors of old French fabric and had been yearning to make something with them. The idea of a Christmas sewing project with this color scheme was just perfect. The second batch of 21 birds was made in combination of red, white and neutral colors for decoration at home and gifts to dear friends. I sewed them at home; in the car (of course, I was in it as passenger); while waiting my kids taking their music classes, in the clinic........for 1 & 1/2 months.

Friends love these birds that don't fly. Some had offered to buy them but I hesitated. I wasn't sure they are willing to pay for them when they know the price I would ask for. (Though I think my price is very reasonable) Too little it does not justify the time and effort. . So, I ended up giving as gifts for various occasions as usual.

As I am writing this post, I decided to take order from now on :) . I could use the money to buy materials and sewing supplies. For those who like to sew this on your own, click here for template and simple tutorial.

Big - RM28 /   Small - RM23
Basic bird
(excluding postage & handling)

Christmas Decor at Home

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It's season of love. The love of God is shown with the best gift anyone could give. We exchange gifts with loves one. We prepare gifts to those whom we like to express our gratitude and even to anonymous by sharing the love of Christ.

I love the decor of this season. To have a properly done up Christmas tree is a real investment. But to handmade all the ornaments would take up years. Hence, I gradually add on new ornaments for the tree and I handmade new decorative items for my home every year.

My family was blessed with a beautiful 6 feet Christmas tree (artificial) this year from a great couple. I am so glad to receive this as the 4 feet tree I had was too short for the room.

This year my project was to make some handmade fabric birds from the book Sew Sunny Homestyle by Tone Finananger, one of my favorite designer. To collaborate with this season, I made all 19 birds in red, white and natural jute colors. I have added some embellishment on the royal family birds for a little ethnic touch. That's simply Yann's signature :)

I found great joy making these birds though I have to sacrifice some sleep, TV shows and time for my family. It took me couple of days to set up all the decoration at home in between my chores at home and caring for my family.

I know recent Christmas had just passed. But I hope this inspired you for this year Christmas. You will have ample of time to do many projects!

Check out more pictures of the fabric bird and basic guide on my next post.

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