A Cupcake Birthday: Cupcake Aprons

A few posts back, I showed the cupcake clips that were the true inspiration behind the cupcake party.  Once those were made, the rest started to fall into place. 

I wanted to have a sprinkle bar for decorating cupcakes and then to have the kids make their own pizzas.  If this was going to be a cooking party, then the kids needed aprons.  I found these aprons that just so happened to have the best reviews and be the least expensive... score!   They would make a perfect party favor as well.  I opted to not have the kids decorate their own aprons, because I wanted them to use them right away, but they needed some decor in my opinion, so I went to work...

Supplies:

• Fabric, pink and brown, cut into 6 x 8 inch pieces (this is the size that fits on the Silhouette mat)
• Wonder Under (or the Silhouette brand fabric interfacing)
• Silhouette, custom cutting machine (or a very good cutting hand!)
• Sewing machine with pink and brown thread
• Iron
• Pink or Red buttons to use as a cherry

Directions:

• Iron fabric interfacing onto fabric (follow directions on the package)
• Use the Silhouette machine (or a pair of scissors) to cut the tops and bottoms of the cupcake shapes out of the interfacing [if using the Silhouette machine, there are a variety of different cupcake shapes available on the online store]
• Peel off the back of the interfacing and iron the shapes into the desired spot on the aprons
• Sew inside the shapes with a wide straight stitch.  I went a few times around each one on the top to give a little more 'shabby' effect.
• Add a red button cherry to the top of the cupcake

iLoveToCreate: Poodle Skirt Sequins Application

The mission was to complete the poodle skirt in time for Halloween :)  I opted for the brilliant plan of making my girls poodle skirts this year for their costumes.  Not a bad idea, except that I don't know much about sewing clothing or following a sewing pattern.  Thankfully, I have friends that lent me their knowledge and moral support and helped me me complete the skirts.  I am looking forward to my next sewing project, it isn't as tough as it looks :)

So, I had the skirts done.  I found a poodle applique.  I got 1-1/2 yards each of sequin trim from the fabric store.  And I got out my bottle of Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive.

I ironed on the poodle applique, then strung the sequins out in a way I liked.  I made a line of Fabric Adhesive exactly where I wanted the sequins to go. 

I found it best to work in sections, carefully applying the sequins.  I let it dry for a few hours.

And, here they are being put to use!  I do have to say, the Fabric Fusion is pretty strong stuff, and I like that it is clear and hides the areas where I added just a bit too much glue.  ;)  I am pretty sure that sequins is not going anywhere!

iLoveToCreate: Tote Bag Revamp

I received this little tote bag as a promotional gift, and while I do use Bic razors, I thought that the bag could use a little DAZZLE.  Plus, it was a perfect opportunity to try out a few iLoveToCreate products I had gotten.

I gathered some supplies: a pair of tweezers, a Tulip Cordless Heat Setting Tool, and some Tulip Glam It Up! Iron On Crystals. 

This was the first time I tried using the Tulip Cordless Heat Setting Tool, and I was so impressed with how well it worked!  Just lay the crystals out where you would like them to go.  (Using tweezers makes this very easy)

Turn on the Heat Setting tool and press the button.  Place the tip of the tool on the top of the crystal and hold it there about 5 seconds for small jewels and 20 seconds for the larger jewels. There is no need to press the tool down hard or anything, it might cause the crystal to move.

Look!  The jewels are set perfectly.  In fact, I tried picking at them a bit and they did not budge AT ALL!!

Next, I found a Tulip Express Yourself Iron On Applique that fit over the top of the logo I wanted to cover.  I lucked out in that it matched the colors of the bag!!  These are super easy to use as well...

...simply lay a thin piece of fabric over the applique and iron on for about 30 seconds or so. 

Here is the final product... a bag with much more pizzaz!  Perfect for a swim towel, some goggles, and a change of clothes for an afternoon at the pool!!