Saturday, December 22, 2012

Christmas Fabric Folk Doll Ornaments

I had fun making more folk dolls for someone who needed them for their church school. There were 30 dolls in all, so I decided to make a larger variety- the ones with the sari's are one of my newer ones.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Bridal Headband for an Indian Bride





A few weeks ago I was contacted by a local woman asking if I could make a special headpiece for her to wear for her wedding.  She was planning to wear a silver and beige top with ivory and pearl net sari.  I was a little intimidated with the request because her wedding was in 4 weeks and I've never made something like she was requesting.  (Not to mention she was VERY specific about how she wanted it to look and even how it would be made.)


She sent me the extra piece of fabric from her top and her sari, a few pictures, a call on the phone, and I made it.  She was actually very ecstatic expressing her appreciation and approval when she saw the finished piece (that really helps my self-confidence!)  And here is the finished piece.  I have to say, I 'dream' about doing business and seeking approval of my work from people in other cultures that I admire.  I was pretty excited to share the news with a few family members and friends that I had this little commission.  Below shows the process and the photo of the piece that inspired the bride.


the process
It is made with sari top brocade, felt, bias tape, embroidered pieces from the sari, pearls, and ribbon.

photo from etsy-click here to see

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Gold and Green Sari Jewelry




I really liked a bracelet that my friend Dora had in her Etsy shop but, of course, I had to see if I could make one myself for myself.  I looked all over at bead stores to find the beads, certain that she found them nearby.  Nope, she found them at a bead show a long time ago.  So I looked online and found some that would work pretty well for me.  I had bought these gold beads recently and thought they might look good together.  I got distracted and still haven't made the one like Dora's.  I need better garnets...

Dora makes awesome jewelry!



I don't usually make necklaces, but thought I would try this one out.  I usually make head jewelry.


I've listed this in my shop if you're interested.

Thanks!



Saturday, December 1, 2012

How to Sew Small Circles on a Ladybug Pattern


If you haven't seen these before, you can purchase an inexpensive pattern to make one yourself here.  Here's  a tip on how to sew those small little dots on with a satin stitch that actually looks good.


If you want to make one from my pattern you can find it here.
First off, pin the dots where you want them. My first thought is to use a baste stitch, or a long stitch (length 4), but it is actually less secure for when you use the satin stitching. Use a normal stitch length (2-3) and sew very close to the raw edge of the dot- See Below Picture. (If you want extra secure dots, use 'wonder-under' or other double sided fusible interfacing.)

Use the side wheel to hand 'crank each stitch so that it doesn't veer off the curve, pivoting the fabric every 3 or so stitches.

For the Satin Stitching, use Zig Zag stitch with a length at about 0.5 or near 0. Keep your hand on the wheel to pivot it every 3 or so stitches so it has a uniform look to it- Otherwise it will look more like polygon. If you want it to look really good, patience is the key.

For the more confident seamstress, just slowly sew using both hands to constantly pivot to make the curve. I admit, I wasn't as patient as I could have been while making this ladybug. I think the next one is the one I will list in my etsy shop.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Green and Brown Head Piece




I made this simple head piece with some of my favorite colors: Green and Brown.  I like the colors of Nature.  I'm trying to maybe make more simple jewelry that would be more versatile to wear more places than just Renaissance Festival.


Idealeon.com

Etsy Shop

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Gypsy Wedding Jewelry


 I made a variation of one of my head pieces and wanted to share (I think its one of my prettier ones).    The new one is the one with the pearls.  The first one I made is the one with the coins.  If you would like this one, you can find it here.


www.idealeon.com
Idealeon etsy shop

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Gold Gypsy Head Jewelry

When I was a teenager I went to a local Renaissance Festival and fell in love with head jewelry I saw there.  I wanted to make some ever since.  Last year I finally found affordable supplies to make some to sell in my etsy shop.  I've also grown interest the last few years in India and Pakistani traditional clothing, along with other cultures in the regions round about.  So, here's a 'gypsy head jewelry' inspired by the coins and bells that you might see in current 'tribal' or 'gypsy' belt jewelry.  I originally bought the 'coin' charms/tags to stamp letters and words on.  I'm just a renaissance festival nerd.  I love dressing up!





Monday, April 30, 2012

Mother's Day Sale

My etsy shop is currently having a Mother's Day Sale.  Use coupon code: MOMDAY20 to get 20% off the price listing.  That's $4 off of $20, $10 off of $50!  Please visit my shop.  

There are great gifts for first-time moms such as the nursing shawls.  

There are fun gifts for adventurous moms: head jewelry.  





Or you can just take a look at everything.

Monday, April 23, 2012





A few weeks ago I was contacted by a local woman asking if I could make a special headpiece for her to wear for her wedding.  She was planning to wear a silver and beige top with ivory and pearl net sari.  I was a little intimidated with the request because her wedding was in 4 weeks and I've never made something like she was requesting.  (Not to mention she was VERY specific about how she wanted it to look and even how it would be made.)


She sent me the extra piece of fabric from her top and her sari, a few pictures, a call on the phone, and I made it.  She was actually very ecstatic expressing her appreciation and approval when she saw the finished piece (that really helps my self-confidence!)  And here is the finished piece.  I have to say, I 'dream' about doing business and seeking approval of my work from people in other cultures that I admire.  I was pretty excited to share the news with a few family members and friends that I had this little commission.  Below shows the process and the photo of the piece that inspired the bride.


the process
It is made with sari top brocade, felt, bias tape, embroidered pieces from the sari, pearls, and ribbon.

photo from etsy-click here to see

Friday, April 20, 2012

Forest Fairy Elven Jewelry


 I just made this 'Forest Elf' head jewelry as a similar version of another piece that you can find in my etsy shop.  The other one is silver with clear beads.  I found these glass leaf beads a few years ago and just finally found a good way to use them.  I'm pretty happy with this look, and will probably develop and improve it more.

Here are a bunch of pictures.  Etsy only has space for 5 photos per listing, so here are some extras on top of the original 5.  





Thanks for looking-
You can also visit my Website:  www.idealeon.com

Monday, April 16, 2012

Simple Drawstring Skirt One-size-fits-most

My aunt needed a couple of trek skirts for the stake youth conference coming up, but they were for unspecified young women.  I have no idea the height or weight of the girls, so I had brain storm an idea so that it would fit anyone or most anyone AND look a little attractive so that they would wear it.


Here is the pattern I came up with.  It has a waistband in the front and a drawstring/tie back.  The back half extends to 40 inches in length from one side of the front to the other.  The front is about 14.5 inches across.  That is about 54 inches, give or take for the waist expansion.







I used a Full Size Bed Sheet.  I used the top and bottom edges for the hems of the skirt.  The + 2.5" hem is the extra length needed if you are NOT using a bed sheet.  I made 2 skirts- one for a 5'8" girl and another for a 5'4" girl out of one bed sheet with a little extra leftover.  I apologize if these are confusing patterns or instructions- someone with a little knowledge of basic construction should do okay with it.  Most of the 'how to' is with pictures.  If you need clarification, just let me know!
Here are the measurements and instructions

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

An Introduction


nursing shawl
Here is a sample of the things I make.  On this blog I will talk about new items and the process or the thoughts behind the item.  These items have been made and up for sale.  I sell things because I like to make more things than I can use for myself.  All these things are of course unused and brand new.

mini sari

gypsy bell head jewelry
boo-boo bug

etsy shop
idealeon.com