New Napkins

Napkin Art Assortments for layering all over any project.  The Napkin Swap hosted by my sweet daughter really added to my stash of goodies.  With all this new variety, I can't wait to get the glue mediums out and start layering on a new art journal to hold my ATC's.

The presentation of such simple art items were quite fun and creative.  The hostess made tie-on napkin rings to bind all the napkins together and of course it was covered in napkins.

I love the subtle layer they can add to canvases......

...or to the pages of a journal layered over paint.

I used several to add interest to my tool kit that carries class supplies.

This close up shows how the white background napkins have a beautiful transparency quality.

Now that we all have expanded our art stash, all we need is to start applying them to a new surface.

Get Glueing Gals!!

Napkin Transfer technique

I am introducing a contributor to my blog.  She is none other than my most favorite daughter.  I could only seem to round up this pic on the spur of the moment.  The sunshiney day was making us all squint, but her smile just lights up the space anyway.

We learned how to use napkins as a decorative addition to our altered art last year from Jan T. at Paper Cowgirl Retreat.  My favorite daughter put together a tutorial for these napkins as an intro for those who have never used these mini works of printed art.  So here is her tut.....

NAPKIN TRANSFER

The napkins you want are the decorative paper napkins that you would use for special occasions and holidays. The “pretty napkins” that don’t get used often.

You also need matte medium to do this project and a nice flat brush.

You can cut out the area of the napkin you want to use or tear it.

First, you will need to separate the layers of napkin away from the design. There are usually 3 layers but sometimes there will be 4. I have found that if there are 4, the last layer is hard to pull away from the design—so be more careful.

 

Once you have your design paper separated, then you put some of your medium on your surface and spread evenly. Next, apply the napkin. Once that napkin goes down, it won’t move easily or come up easily. Especially if you have used more rather than less medium.

Lastly, apply a bit more medium to the top of the napkin. Once you do this, you will see the design begin to “disappear” into the surface. I used the black background so you could see how it disappears.

The pic with the brown surface has the right side half done.

The right side of the napkin has the 2nd layer of matte medium on it and the final product….



Do be careful not to over brush and be light with your brush. As you can see, I was trying to smooth the surface too much with my brush and the napkin tore in the top left corner.

I hope this was helpful and easy to understand.  -A-

Thanks Fav Daughter!!

Now, y'all go grab your cute napkins and try this technique.  It works on so many surfaces and the wrinkles are a bonus gift of texture and not to be frowned upon.  Thanks for stopping by..and y'all come back!

Flea market Belt and Purse

Vintage tablecloth a

Old feedsacks a

Embroidered dresser cloth a

Misc. items from 'the armoire' aa

Grab the inspiration for this flea market belt from http://robolady.blogspot.com/, a pair of scissors and the trusty sewing machine. I had seen this cute flea market belt on Margo's site and was inspired to make one myself. I have collected vintage textiles forever and had a nice selection to choose from. Problem is....I can't hardly cut them up. So, I search for the least flaw to justify the remake.

I used the feedsack for the base piece and the pretty floral tablecloth for the pockets. The crochet accents are covering up the wear holes and add some style.

I used an old napkin to make the covered pocket with a magnet closure to keep your cash/cards secure.

Now, I'd say this is a much more fashionable alternative to the fanny pack.

Well, I couldn't stop there. I made a coordinating purse to go along with the ensemble for post-flea functions. I used a dresser scarf to accent the interior along with napkins.

Pockets to carry the cell phone and the cash. Let's go shopping!

I have loved putting this little ensemble together. I will take these to a fund-raising auction tonight. I made them yesterday just to reaffirm that

if it weren't for the Last Minute.........I Wouldn't get ANYTHING Done!!!

Enjoy crafting y'all!