D.I.Y Singing Bell Craft Project

 



Throughout various cultures around the world, bells have historically held a multitude of meaning and purpose. Bells symbolize beginnings and endings. They are rung at weddings, funerals, during meditation and to raise our vibrations. Bells warn us and call our attention. They commence fights and finish them, and alert us of livestock movement. Bells inform us of guests and signal the readiness of palate pleasing nourishment. Simple soundful metal craft for some, sacred singing bell for others, these handcrafted creations have served communities for thousands of years.

Fuse It! Fabric Fusing Basics

 

Over the years,  fusible web has become the time saving alternative to sewing. A type of interfacing, everyone from the beginning crafter to the most experienced designer can appreciate the ease and simplicity of this no-sew method. If you’re new to the notion of fusing, here are a few tips, tricks and fusing basics.

MacKenzie Childs Inspired DIY Home Decor

 

Inspired by the whimsical and quirky stylings of MacKenzie Childs, the mixing and matching of complimentary palates with contrasting prints offers a baseline theme to build creatively on in this inspiring layout featuring stripes, plaids, and polka dots in a pastel color wave.

Vibrantly hued accents are like candy for the eyes! Orange and pink polka dots provide a playful contrast to both the granny apple green /white swirls and the black/white stripes. An accent table goes from so-so to so-fun when embellished with rickrack-bordered fabric on top and coordinating print on the drawer facing. A no-sew striped pillow cover offers an added comfort to a seating staple. Accented with black beaded trim, the flirty lampshade in pink/white offers is share of feminine charm. For eye-catching artwork that can be hung on a wall or placed on a tabletop, fuse your choice of fabric onto an artist canvas and applique a flower in the center.

 

Tropical Textile Treasures at J&O Fabrics

Vacation in the tropics year round with our hot selection of exotic, themed tropical textile in an array of styles and colors.  Using some of our easy NO-SEW techniques, it’s a breeze to create this island oasis. Simply deck out bamboo and wicker furnishings in coordinating tropical and animal themed prints. Accent your home sanctuary with customized, self-adhesive lampshades in floral or leopard print and beaded trim. For a carefree coastal comfort, trim a sisal rug by hot-gluing strips of tropical print fabric along the edges. Topped with complimentary prints and fun fringe, a wicker trunk adds practical storage to this private paradise. Complete this tropical environment by framing the windows with burlap drapes hung by leather strips and accented with beaded tassels. Even these tailored treatments are made using another quick and easy NO-SEW fusing methods

 

DIY Cocktail Canopy from J&O Fabrics

J&O DIY Cocktail Canopy: Floral Deco

For the J&O/ Summerdale Mills family, summer just isn’t summer without backyard BBQ’s, picnics, taking in seemingly endless sunsets in an outdoor living space of our very own, or simply sitting pretty by the seashore.  But beyond the idea and aesthetics of it all, there is the nitty-gritty of uninvited guests to contend with that certainly can have a way of spoiling the fun. You know those party-crashers I’m speaking of. The eight-legged, winged and just plain annoying creepy crawlies seduced by the sights, sounds and scents of it all. We can’t blame them for wanting to get a taste of the good life I know, but we can make our presence in their domain more comfortable.

Cool D.I.Y. Panda Craft Tutorials

Panda Craft Tutorial

* Gentle strength *

* Peace *

* Good luck *

* Positive outlook on life *

* Connection with Eastern wisdom *

 

Whether you are drawn to Panda Bears for tangible reasons or they resonate with you on a deeper more symbolic level, there is no denying the powerful energy they possess inspiring tranquil strength and determination. Under its soft and fuzzy appearances, this animal totem brings forth the importance of strong personal boundaries to feel safe and grounded in life. If you have the panda as spirit animal or totem, you may be inclined to be emotional and feel like you need strong material and physical comfort to feel at ease in your life. Symbolic of the ability to find a balanced and nurturing path through life, it will encourage those who have it as totem or power animal to integrate different aspects of their personality in a harmonious whole.

D.I.Y. Fabric Wall Hangings

 

Some people like photographic art. Others like abstract. And then there are those who get their artistic fix merely off of fabric. They stop at every fabric store in every town they ever visit. They sniff out garage sales seeking hidden textile finds like bloodhounds on a trail. They have even been known to spend hundreds of dollars for the fabric of their eye. And just like great art, their sought after rewards do more than grace love seats, tossed pillows, or adorn perfectly fashioned bodies….They hang on walls.

Cute Summer Fabric Crafts To Kick Off the Season!

For many, the official start of summer is dictated by the date of the solstice which usually occurs during the month of June. For students, the last day of school is often equated in such a way. Yet for others, it is simply Memorial Day.

Originating after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died on the battlefield, over the years Memorial day has become the traditional UN-official start of the summer season for many in the USA. Celebrated by both memorializing lost ones who have served this county well, and by the ritualistic setting up patio furniture and grills in preparation for a weekend of food and fun, the last Monday of May equates to the last day of spring by majority rule as sun children everywhere welcome the summer in!

Ask Netfah: Special Care for Cotton Tube Fabric

jandofabricsDear Netfah,

I recently purchased a cotton jersey knit that came in a tube. Aside from pre-washing, do I need to do anything in particular to the fabric before cutting the pieces into a garment?

~Sandy / Detroit-MI

 

 

 

Dear Sandy,

Once you have pre-washed the fabric to reduce any additional shrinkage, simply cut along one of the folds and steam or press  to remove the fold line. If it won’t press out or if the fold line is unfortunately somewhat faded due to overexposure to light over time, you will want to be mindful to utilize your fabric strategically so as not to reveal any defects on your final garment.

Heat N’ Bond Tips and Tricks

j&o fabrics

Heat N’ Bond adhesive is a strong, paper-backed, iron-on adhesive designed for non sew apparel, craft and home decor projects. It’s solid layer of glue provides plenty of bonding strength, and requires less heat and shorter pressing time than many other fusible web products. With its advanced formula, Heat N’ Bond puts an end to fusible web limitations to provide the craft maker with superior results in a wide range of applications. It is quick, convenient and leaves professional looking results. This being said, we’d like to take a moment to share some additional tips, tricks and uses that are sure to make your Heat N’ Bond experience a successful one!