Tie-DIY Anchor Tee (Part 2)

 I finally finished the Anchor tee! Here's what I did:

 In order to strengthen the effect of the stripes, I used strips of cardboard to cover up the negative stripes, or the stripes that would remain lighter, and used fabric spray paint to darken the positive stripes.

 I used a paintbrush to help the spurts blend together. A few times I ran out of the spray paint, but was able to concoct my own with 1 part blue fabric paint and 2 parts water.

 I painted each stripe until I got to the top, and for the sleeves I positioned the cardboard so that it was parallel with the angle of the sleeves to make sure the stripes would look right.

 I did not put cardboard inside the shirt since I wanted the paint to go through to the back. I sprayed the back stripes so that they were even with the front stripes.

 For the anchor, I drew over the stripes (after they had dried for 4 hours) with a permanent fabric marker free-handed. I used a straight-edge on the longer lines.

 Next, I painted the anchor with white fabric paint, being careful not to cover up the black lines. Sparkly silver paint gives the anchor a glamorous sheen and catches the eye.

 Once the shirt gets its final recommended wash, it will be all ready to hit the sunny Florida beaches!

From one lady to another, there's nothing better than a new shirt and a great feeling of accomplishment. :)

Shirt: Michael's

xoxo, Lady S.

Tie-DIY Anchor Tee (Part 1)

 Hello hello! It's been a while since I've been able to post, but the past couple weeks have been jammed full of camps and VBS. Just in time for a southern vacation. :) In order to get in the tropical mood, I have decided to go all out with nautical-themed objects. Stripes, anchors, boats, you name it. To start off, I decided to design a special nautical tee especially for the beach using a tie-dye kit and some fabric paint.

 I tied off the already-washed tee with rubber bands that came in the kit. Since I was going to stripe the shirt with blue dye and leave every other stripe white, I rolled up the shirt width-wise and put the bands an equal distance apart along the length of the shirt (the pictures look horrible because I did this project at like 10:00 PM and had to use the kitchen's artificial lighting).

 I dyed every other banded-off section blue, which was where I made my first mistake. I accidentally over-dyed the blue sections and they unfortunately bled into the white sections. Which is why you don't go at it like you're trying to dye the ocean.

 Then, according to the directions, I wrapped the too-blue tee in plastic wrap and let it sit for 6-8 hours (it actually turned out to be longer because I was out of town all morning and early afternoon).

 When I got back, I rinsed all of the excess dye out of the shirt with cold water in the bathroom sink (which turned out to be a LOT of dye).

 As you can see, the stripes didn't quite survive the night (unless you look REALLY close. Then you can see slight lighter-than-the-rest-of-it sections which vaguely resemble the stripes I was hoping to create.) However I have resolved to paint the stripes on by hand, so we'll see how that little experience goes.

 After rinsing out the excess dye by hand, I threw it in the washer as a full load with hot water (as directed), and after it was done, hung it up to dry over the bathtub.

This is the design which I am going to paint on (after I get the whole stipes dilemma worked out). I might tweak it a bit later, but it's always good to visualize it on paper first. I may also apply a similar design to a tote bag, too. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed that this shirt works out!!!

From one crafty lady to another, tie-dye just isn't as simple as people make it seem.

Tee (before I got a hold of it): Michael's,  Tie-Dye Kit: Won (from a super giveaway!), however it can be found at most likely any craft store. I think.


xoxo, Lady S.

Plaid Wearing, Park Wandering

 

Enjoying a day at  a local park and lake with some friends (not shown). Sometimes you just have to get out and enjoy life for all it's worth. 

From one nature-loving lady to another, a little park, a little sun, is the best way to have summer fun.

Top/Skirt: Thrifted, Tennies: Walmart

xoxo, Lady S.

P.S. I just love that little gosling.

Malls, Flats, and Messy Buns

It's so good to be back to virtual civilization! The trip went well and it was fun visiting the Galleria and another mall in St. Louis. I bought an adorable tote bag and drawstring bag from Bath and Body Works for under $5 all together. 75% off is a deal I can never pass up.

Unfortunately I was unable to do complete outfit pics, but I did manage to get a couple halfsies. Hopefully I can make up for it later.

From one busy lady to another, it was definitely a comfy flats-messy bun week!

Top outfit: Skirt- Gordman's, Shoes- Walmart
Bottom outfit: Skirt- Walmart, Top- Deb (Cape not part of outfit ;) )

xoxo, Lady S.

A Trip, A Caddy, and a Craft Exchange

St. Louie it is! I decorated a shower caddy especially for the event...

which I will provide more details about upon my return home. I will say that I decorated it to match my duffel bag, so they make a nice pair. However I did use mod podge on it, so we'll see how long it lasts.

As it stands now, I am unfortunately unable to bring my computer. Goodbye, virtual reality. Until Friday at least. I shall post all the juicy tidbits about the trip (hopefully including some outfit ideas as well).

Also, for anyone who is interested in intense crafting, Coral Reef Island (a fun blog whose authors will also be in St. Louis) is hosting a Craft Gift Exchange on Elfster. THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 10!!! so if you are interested please sign up before Wednesday. The names will be drawn on Friday, July 12.

YOU CAN RSVP HERE ->   http://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/9160292/6ec470/

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Fourth of July!! Delicious potato salad, savory cooked- out hamburgers, and the all-American Dr. Pepper has been prepared, and the fireworks are ripe for the um, firing. Currently I am enjoying the "A Capitol Fourth" segment with some awe-inspiring anthems and other tear-to-the-eye tunes that are enough to make any American feel proud of the nation we all share, no matter how far away we may be (did I mention Jackie Evancho sings the "Star-Spangled Banner"? 

 

Today we also went to put some memorial flowers on my grandfather and uncle's graves as we do every year to commemorate their service to the country. I honestly was going to try to dress a little better, but it was one of those get-up-and-get-dressed in a timely manner days. But it IS red, white, and blue. I couldn't not wear Old Glory. It would just seem wrong, in my opinion. Or I could just be off my all-American rocker, who knows. :)

From one America-loving lady to another, hope you all have a perfectly lovely Fourth of July! 

Top/Skirt/Purse/Floppy Hat: Gifted, Undershirt, Flipflops: Walmart

xoxoxoxoxo, Lady S.

A Bit of Patriotism (Part II)

 Happy 3rd of July! With only one day left until the Independence Blowout, things are starting to fall into place for the big celebration. And what's this?! Has anyone else noticed that this summer is HALF OVER??! There's a depressing thought. But if there is one thing I've learned over the course of my life (or at least the crazy college part of it), it's to party like there's no tomorrow!!! But safely. Without alcohol. Or people that are known to get into trouble. Until that day... here's a picture of a dog to make you feel better. I know. I am obsessed with the whole dog thing. ;) Which, BTW, I'm thinking about doing a doggy clothes sewing tutorial in the future. So stay tuned!

From one party-hardy lady to another, there IS such a thing as good, safe partying! So let's do it!

Top/Shoes: Walmart, Sweater: Gifted (?), Skirt: Thrifted

(On Isis) Shirt: Made (but not by me ;) ), Bow: Repurposed Shoe Clip

xoxo, Lady S.