DIY: Patterned fabric with fabric paint

I've had the idea of trying to paint a pattern on fabric with textile paint for the longest time, but until now I never really got around to it. But then, on a trip to one of my favorite local crafting supply stores, I noticed this shelf of fabric paints. And among them, a gorgeous golden paint. How could a girl resist? The next thing I knew, the paint was already in my hand at the register. Funny how that happens sometimes, right?

Anyway, I couldn't wait to try it out! I chose to go with a simple background and a simple print. Here's the printing process:

For the fabric I chose a black vintage corduroy from my stash. I loved the idea of having a textured fabric as the background for the print. That way I would end up with two different textures, and that's all the more interesting, I think.

The supplies needed for this project are minimal:

• a pair of scissors 
• a dishwashing sponge  
• a small plastic container 

1. Start by cutting out a circle from the sponge. I used a glass bottom to guide my hand when tracing the circle onto the sponge. Then, use scissors to cut out the circle.

2. Now that you're ready to start printing, pour a little bit of fabric paint into the container. Take your circle sponge, press it into the paint and then onto the fabric. As you can see, not all my circles came out perfectly evenly covered. I noticed that the sponge started to soak in the fabric in some places more than others.
I used a pretty neat layout for my print, but you could use a more random approach, or use different size sponge circles. I can only imagine the cool prints you could make!

3. Once you're done printing, let the fabric dry completely and then iron it through paper (or as instructed on the label of the fabric paint).

That's how my printed fabric turned out. I love it! Seriously, it's a very rewarding process. It's fast and the end result is so cool.

I used my newly printed fabric to make myself this fold-over clutch. I've been dying to sew myself one, but, once again haven't gotten around to it. So, this project was really two long-time crafting ideas in one. I added a small leather loop on both sides of the clutch so I could attach a removable chain strap as well. I've found that as cute and fashionable as clutches are, they can also be a little un-practical at times. So, a removable strap is a must on all my clutches to give them as much use as possible.

I really wanted to do a tutorial on the fold-over clutch as well, but then I did all the sewing steps in the wrong order and I really wouldn't want to teach you how to sew a simple clutch in the most complicated way possible. Luckily, there are others who have done it right, so if you'd like to learn, here's a great tutorial.

Have you tried fabric paints for printing?

Happy Birthday, Estonia!

Today, 96 years ago, Estonia declared its independence for the first time. Although my homeland is small, it's also very tough, just like the people living here. I think every country has the face of its people. I'm proud to be an Estonian.

To those of you, who don't know anything about Estonia, here's a good start (and then next this).

Sunday Spirit: Home

It's that kind of a weekend. Nice and slow. We're at my parents' house breathing in the country air, resting, and enjoying time with family. It's just what the doctor ordered! The last few weeks have been interesting and rewarding, but also crazy busy. I'm so glad to have a few days to switch off work mode and charge back up.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend full of activities you need most right now!

DIY Fabric & Chain hoop earrings at OEH

I'm posting on Oh Everything Handmade again! This time I'm sharing a super simple, but higly addictive tutorial for creating earrings out of old fabric scraps, some chain and earring hoops. Take a peak!

My voice forced me to take a day off yesterday, so I spent it getting friendly with my sewing machine. It was such a great feeling to make something after a long break. I've missed it. Hope I can share my sewing storm with you soon.

Have a wonderful and creative weekend, my friends!

My Style: Performance practice perfect

At my school we have a subject in our curriculum named "Performance practice". Since we're studying to be singers aka performers, it makes perfect sense to practice it, right? And what is a performer without proper looks? Nothing, I tell you! (lol). It's actually more of an informal affair, but still, I always feel better when I dress up a little for the occasion. Gets me in the performing mood.

Outfit details:

Blouse - refashioned

Skirt - thrifted (original Gina Tricot)

Belt - Tally Weijil

Earrings - made by me

Sunday Spirit: Smashing the walls inside

I love this quote! I don't know who said it, but I'm glad it found its way through the interwebs into my Pinterest feed.

I wish I could say I'm the type of person who has no walls and builds no boundaries, but the truth is, I'm just like most of us - scared to step out of my comfort zone and do something I've never done before. I mean, what if I fail? What if people judge me? What if...
The past year, however, has forced me to test my boundaries, to push myself further, and to overcome fear. And every time I've done that, I've felt nearer to my dreams. It makes me feel like I truly can accomplish anything if I really want to.

I'm trying to make a habit out of smashing walls. Every time I want to do something, but am held back by fear, I ask myself - what do I really have to lose? Because I know what I have to gain. I also know, that the fear will fade as soon as I take the first step. So, all it takes, is taking that first step.

I'm taking the first step today. How about you? When was the last time you pushed your boundaries and smashed one of those walls? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

With Love

Today is Valentine's day, and although I usually don't celebrate it much, I wanted to tell you all how much you mean to me. I started this blog with a vision to inspire others to live a more creative and fulfilling life, but for all this time you have in turn inspired me and shown me so much support. Despite the fact that most of you have never actually met me in person. I see that you care, and I am so humbled, and so incredibly grateful for every single e-mail, comment, and thought I've received.

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your lives!

Love,

Last ones in the shop

I have three knitted bow headbands on sale in my shop (the ones pictured above). These are the last ones in stock and I won't be making any more knitted headbands. So, if you've been eyeing one of these, now is your last chance to snatch one up. I love this style, but I feel it's time to move on.

Sunday Spirit: The journey of change

I've been thinking a lot about change lately. Changes that have happened in my life, my thoughts, my perspectives, even my hopes and dreams. Sometimes I forget, that change is the only constant in life. Everything that we experience makes a little dent in our minds and therefor changes us in a way. If you think about it that way, change feels a natural part of life, doesn't it? Yes.... but why then is it so hard to accept?

Change is so dear to my heart right now because this year will be a wonderful journey for me, full of expected, and certainly, unexpected changes. I'm not only preparing to take a new step towards my dream career as a singer, but I'm also preparing to take the biggest leap of faith with the man I love. And to top it off, I'm preparing to move to a new country. I'm full of change these days, you might say, and I've got to be honest, it scared the crap out of me at first.

As I thought about this, I made a conscious decision to welcome change. Sometimes it's like taking a step in a dark room, but then again, you never know what greatness you might stumble upon. And, since change is about to occur anyway, I'd rather embrace it than be afraid of it. I should probably write that on my mirror...

What's your relationship with change? Are you welcoming it with open arms, or rather waiting anxiously? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Creative Spirit: DIY's to try

I don't know about you, whenever I know I have some creative freedom over the weekend, I spend my Friday nights on Craftgawker and Pinterest, sucking in as much creative spirit as I can. I thought I'd share some of my finds with you as well. Creative spirit is meant to be shared, right? So, if you're planning to make something with your own two hands this weekend, you should definitely check out these projects.

// 1 // A fabulous jeans transformation from Pink Stripey Socks. I love the abstract colorful pattern she made!
// 2 // If you're more into geometric prints, check out EmerJa Designs tutorial. Looks awesome!
// 3 // And if you're going to make some awesome jeans, it only reasons to add some sparkle to your shoes as well. I love the rhinestone covered sneakers from Dream a little bigger.
// 4 // Or, perhaps buttons are more your thing. I love this DIY from Spalvotas Dryžuotas. It doesn't matter if you don't speak Lithuanian.
// 5 // To top of your handmade outfit, make this adorable yet fashionable sweatshirt from DIY Studio.
// 6 // Or, try adding a see-through lace heart to one of your old tees with this tutorial.

Have a creative weekend!

Daily Style: Date night

I haven't done a style post in ages, and quite honestly, I've been in a style rut these past couple of months. One of my resolutions for the New Year is to experiment more with my clothing and style. Stepping out of my comfort zone has always been hard for me, but there's where the real fun begins, isn't it?

We went out on a date night last night, and I thought I'd change it up a bit. It was a coffee date and a movie, so I went with a rather casual look with my summery floral jeans as the focus. I have so many pieces that only get worn during the warmer months, and I'm looking forward to mixing them into my winter wardrobe more.

By the end of the night I'd eaten way too much cake and fries, seen a pretty bad movie, and had a whole lot of fun. Let's do that again!

Outfit details:

Floral jeans - local mall

Lace heart tee - refashioned

Knit vest - vintage

Earrings - me-made