*The Shabby Chic Cottage*

3/9/10

Guest Post: M is for Maga

On Monday, I posted about iron on transfers, and Mary Lou left a comment about using your printer on fabric. I begged her to show everyone how to do it:
Hello Everyone.
I've been graciously asked by The Shabby Chic Cottage to show you how I print on fabric. I find this to be an easy method and so versitile.
I use any fabric that will go through the printer--yes, normal, at home printer. I've used muslin, cotton and a cotton/linen blend. The fabric I'm using today is decorator fabric from Hancock's.
I don't wash the fabric first. If it's going to be used as a purse or bag, I would have it dry cleaned but if you heat set the ink with a hot iron, it should stay fine.
FIRST, take a regular piece of white cardstock (or light color). Cut your piece of fabric to fit.

Spray the cardstock with spray adhesive

and press the fabric to it, making sure all the edges are stuck tightly.

Trim the edges to fit so they don't hang up in the printer.

I use Photoshop Elements to make the design I want to use.

If you use a photo,

you can just print from Windows.

Place the cardstock with fabric down. PRINT.

I chose this design because it's my granddaughter's name and I love it with the fabric.

I think this is sweet in a frame but you could make it into a pillow or anything you'd like.

This next photo is a purse that I made using the same technique.

It has a photo of my grandchildren.

I used Photoshop Elements to give it the Sepia look.

Aren't they CUTE??

I hope this helps you with printing on fabric. I'd love to see all of your ideas. Any questions, you can e-mail me from MisforMaga.blogspot.com or mlrut@cox.net

Thank you to The Shabby Chic Cottage for allowing me to

be a guest on her wonderful blog.

Isn't that AWESOME?????

I'm gonna use it tomorrow for Transformation Thursday!

3/8/10

How to get a custom sign

1) Marry a seriously sweet, uber talented man.

2) Go see your friend who is moving the the other side of the country in three weeks. Stay there all day, even join her for dinner, she is moving after all.

3) Call to check on your sweetheart, just to hear his voice.

4) Finally go home.

5) Be surprised when said husband has worked on a "secret project" all day - and he made it just for you!

Yes, I am one lucky girl. And, oh, how I ♥ him!

Posted at DIY Day

3/7/10

transferring tea towels

Although I use tea towels a lot because they are a popular item in my shop, I also use them every day, too. Sometimes an image will elude you, so instead of giving up, try your own artistic inspiration. Mr. SCC is wonderful at drawing things, so he came up with a design so that I could finally make some fork & spoon towels. I'd been wanting to forever, but could not find an image to save my life.

But, think beyond the cutlery drawer. How about a drawing your child did, or maybe even a copy of a ticket to a concert or movie. There's tons of ideas - just scan them into your computer, put them on transfer paper and you're good to go!

Why stop at tea towels? Try pillow cases, table clothes, curtains, clothes.... the list goes on and on! Just trim out the image and iron it on. Quick, easy & custom - what's better than that?

Have you used iron on transfers? Let me hear your ideas!

And... thank you to each and everyone of your comments on me leaving SYTYCD. It was a blast!

Posted at Met Monday & Made it for Monday

3/6/10

is it really spring?

The crazy weather around here has been like a yo-yo.... hot, cold, 60's, snowing... it's enough to drive a girl nuts. So, while the weather has been great the last couple of days, I've been working like a mad woman, getting ready for upcoming shows and even listing a few new things into my Etsy shop. Love those script pillows, a sweet little nest or fancy a tassel? Then maybe you might find something you want or need or just can't live without.

And... if you're wondering - I was the first person eliminated from So You Think You Can Decorate. Make sure you stop by to see all the other great (real) decorators!