All text and images, Copyright 2012, Ellen Medlock, LLC.

Hi there! Earlier this week I had a guest post up on the fabulous Mod Podge Rocks blog. (Thanks again Amy!)

I realized I’d never posted this technique here on my own blog so I thought I’d put it up here also ~ for all you Minaudiere fans out there! Instead of just covering your clutch with fabric, you will “seal” the fabric for a shiny, more durable finish.

DIY Fabric Covered Clutch Purse Tutorial:

Today we will show you how to make a fabric covered clutch purse using Mod Podge (Love it!) and my DIY Minaudiere Set. The best part of this project is that the actual crafting time is quick and easy, but produces a professional looking clutch!

To get started, choose your set – The Classic Minaudiere or The Heart Minaudiere. Today we will be working with the Heart set.

The sets include the front & back shells, a cutting pattern, instructions, and the metal clutch frame.

You will also need the following:

Step 1.  Cut your fabric per pattern into a heart shape. You can use the same fabric on the front and back or switch it up with a coordinating fabric on either side. I am using 2 coordinating fabrics from my first line of fabric, Enchanted Damask.

Step 2.  The Minaudiere shells in my kit are made from a sturdy black molded plastic. We suggest using the optional white primer spray paint (I prefer Kilz Spray Primer) to spray the shells white due to the fact that quilting weight cotton fabrics tend to appear bright and crisp on top of the white background.

Be sure to account for drying time if you plan to spray your shells white. I let mine dry for around an hour – drying time varies per brand.

Step 3.  Set out a sheet of wax paper for your work surface. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to one shell. Try to keep this first layer as thin and smooth as possible while leaving no bare spots on the shell – we want to avoid Mod Podge seeping through the fabric, but also avoid any loose spots. 

Step 4.  Gently lay the fabric over the coated shell. Starting in the center and working towards the edges, smooth and press the fabric onto the shell. Take care to smooth out any air pockets that form.

When you get to the edges there will be a few creases and small folds in the fabric. This is normal and can’t be completely avoided, however, you can minimize the appearance of these creases in your finished bag by manipulating the fabric so that the creases start as close to the edge as possible. By the time your bag is in its frame the creases will be mostly hidden.

Repeat Step 4 on with the second shell. Allow both shells 10-15 minutes to “set” so the fabric doesn’t move around in Step 5.

Step 5. Carefully trim the edges of the fabric covered shells using your scissors. Take care when cutting the “creased” portions that you don’t overcut. These creased areas and small folds might need a small touch up with the Mod Podge so that they are totally stuck down.

Notice that one of the shells has a small indent near the top. Trim carefully around the indent. Go ahead and touch up any spots that need to be secured around the edges with the Mod Podge.

Step 6. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge to the fabric covered shells. This coat can be a little thicker than the first coat. Allow to dry completely.

Step 7.  Once totally dry, spray the finished shells with the clear acrylic spray and again dry completely according to spray acrylic’s directions. 

Step 8.   Almost finished!  Locate the shell with the indent. This shell will fit over the locking mechanism – the indent allows room for the bag to open and close properly.

It is a good idea to take the time to do a pre-fit of the shells into the frame and get comfortable with popping the shells in and out, before you add the glue. The shells will fit snugly.

After a pre-fit, place a line of Beacon 527 glue inside the channel of the metal frame. Do not put glue into any area where it might seep thru, such as the hinged areas. Also, do not put any glue near the locking mechanism.

Step 9. Working quickly, add the shells into the frame – double checking again that the indented shell goes into the side with the locking mechanism.  Once the shells are in the frame, weigh the whole clutch down with a book or other object to ensure that the shells are fully immersed in the glue filled channel. Allow to dry overnight if possible.

Add an optional purse chain and get ready for compliments on your darling new Minaudiere!

The possibilities are endless!

Many thanks!

~Ellen

Now that you’ve made your Interchangeable1 Bag using our Limited Edition Bag Kit …you’ll of course need a cute accessory to compliment it. Enter our latest crafty creation ~ a DIY Fabric Button Ring! This project is easy, quick, and fun.

Here’s what you need for the project!

Supplies:

•  a ring blank (http://yhst-66966626393498.stores.yahoo.net/ring-blank.html )
• E6000 or a similar strong craft glue
• a small approx. 2″ square Fabric scrap ~ We are using Ellen’s Enchanted Damask
• a button cover kit 7/8″ or 1 1/8    (prefer Dritz “Cover Button Kit”)
• a  pair of needlenose pliars

Step 1: Using your fabric scrap, cut a 2″ x 2″ square around a specific design motif in the fabric.

Step 2: Follow the directions of your button covering kit to create your fabric covered button. If you are new to button covering, I think you will find you can’t just make one!

Step 3:  Bend down or remove the shank on the back of the button using the pliars.

Step 4: Adhere the fabric button to the ring blank using your E600 glue.

Step 5: Show off your cute crafty jewelry! Enjoy!

Experimenting, one day-  I made these cute Fabric Rosettes from the Fuchsia colorway of  my studio’s Enchanted Damask fabric. The effort proved worthy as they became embellishments for Coquette Bags that were awaiting the right touch!
Here is a quick  “How-To” :

(Please Read Through All Steps Before Beginning)

Supplies Needed:

one narrow strip of fabric, 1  3/4″ x 42″
liquid seam sealant such as FrayCheck
long needle 
 44″ length of coordinating thread
hot iron for pressing

1.  Cut an entire WOF (width of fabric- 42″)  x 1  3/4″  in a desired fabric. (I liked the randomness of the damask print for this particular project.) It will seem like too much length, but trust me…it will probably be used! Press fabric well.

2.  Seal the raw cut edges of the 42″ x 1 3/4″ strip of fabric with a liquid seam sealant such as FrayCheck, to keep edges from unraveling. When dry, finger fold the strip in half (Right Side showing out). Note: Press with an iron if you wish a harder edged look to your finished fleur, but I opted for finger pressing to keep a softer edge.

3.  Begin your Rosette by folding under one end at a 45 degree angle (as shown in the photo above.) This folded end will become the center of your Rosette!

4. I don’t think there is any “right” or “wrong” way to go about making the body of the Rosette, so don’t worry if you find this method cumbersome, and opt for your own version mid-construction! I fully recommend a bit of fabric play as you work.  Each one will have it’s own little personality even if you try to make two exactly the same~

I held the needle in my right hand, while using my left to gather small tufts of fabric, then pinch them flat against the center of the growing flower. Secure the tufts  in place by using the long needle and doubled thread, pushing all the way through the  base of the rosette, and out the opposite side. (See photo.)  Some were tufts were tight, and some were loose. I just kept at it, and eventually petal-like shapes emerged in the process.  If I missed tacking it,  I would just go back and catch it. Don’t worry what the back of the flower looks like during the construction process~ after all, it will be hidden.

                                                                             
5.  Once you reach the fullness you desire, cut the fabric strip (if not all used), and seal the raw edge with FrayCheck. Fold the cut end down to the back base or your rosette, and tack in place. End tacking with several knots of the thread. Dot the knotted thread with FrayCheck or similar for peace of mind!   Now you have a gorgeous and unique embellishment! I used FabriTac,  a strong clear drying fabric glue  to permanently adhere it to the Coquette Bag’s upper left corner.

 Thanks for viewing my Tutorial, and please be sure to show us what fun Fabric Rosette embellishments YOU create!!

~ ellen

Copyright 2010, ellen medlock, llc.

…these Bangle Bracelets that is! These were posted recently by the Franklin Mills Store  to my facebook group “Show Off Your Ellen Medlock Bags,Etc! .”  An inspiring collection of projects created with my company’s products~ bag oriented or crafty!
 And each time someone posts I find myself thinking… “they just keep getting cuter!”

What a great idea to use Batik strips, and what a statement they make in muliples!

We love to see what you create with The Bangle Bracelet Sets,  so please don’t hesitate to “ show it off” right  here!

Here is a little collage full of ideas for my Enchanted Damask fabric!

Shown at top is the Interchangeable1 Bag Set in Black Purse Frame and embellished Black Link Purse Chain in the Tuquoise colorway. Along each side, The Coquette Bag Set (sooo quick and fun!) has been created in all three of it’s frame options~ silver, antique brass, and black in both Spring Dot, and Enchanted Damask.  Fabric Rosettes (tutorial coming!) add a perky embellishment on the Spring Dot fabric! I

n the center, one of my favorite quick craft sets, The Fabric Clock is shown in the Citrus colorway of Enchanted Damask. Below the Fabric Clock, is the newest of my bag patterns- The Bon Vivant! Both pattern and KIT are available now for this full size bag made up in the Fuchsia colorway. On the lower left, Turquoise Enchanted Damask was used to create this pair of  DIY ( do it yourself) Tole Shades (a tutorial is available!) I love these and use them in my studio on a lamp base from Target. On the right side, is a quilt square from the bright and beautiful “Bohemian Butterflies Quilt” pattern which may be downloaded, or purchased as a paper hard copy. Phew! That’s a bunch of info!

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo ~ ellen

hello sweeties!
here is a fun, fast and free sweet little mini-sewing pattern for you!

Designing  your “Potpourri Heart” should feel awfully familiar…remembering how you made your first Valentines in grade school…folding your paper in half and drawing your half-heart!  This time just add a 1/4″ seam allowance as you cut it out.  Voila! You now have your sewing pattern. 

Feel free to click the following link, then print it out on a standard 8.5″ x 11″ piece of printer/copier paper at 100% so you will have the correct pattern proportions.  Enjoy!  [ View and Print PDF Pattern ]

XOXO,

-ellen

Now available! One of my first bag KITS!

I can’t tell you how long I have wanted to be able to “kit” some of the popular bags/totes I have designed over the years! Sooo many nice folks have stopped me at shows and requested “Kits, please!” 

2010 I am turning over the “kit” leaf, and following through with several more, so keep an eye out for them!

Well, here is the first!  There are a limited number of these cute “Paris Ville” Bag Kits now up for sale in my company’s online store! Each are tied with a grosgrain ribbon, that can then be used as part of the bag details if you wish! You might have recognized the bag’s style… it is made using “The Picture This Bag Pattern”. Fabric used is by Michael Miller Fabrics- in case it looks familiar as well!

A few details about The Picture This Bag Style…
Your bag will be approximately 8″h. x 10″w. x 4″ d.
The length of the shoulder straps are 20-21″ each.
There are options for 6+ Pockets!

Besides the obvious Pattern with Step by Step Instructions, and Fabric as shown, Purse Feet and Magnetic Snap Hardware (choose from siver or gold), Interfacing, and two tiny (but favorite!) details… daisies that adorn the side pockets! 

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this Kit, and then grab one before they are gone!!

Happy Sewing,

-ellen

All Images and Text Copyright 2009, Ellen Medlock, LLC.

This Holiday Fabric Table Setting-   napkin, napkin ring, charger, and dessert plate, I designed using Christmas themed  fabrics by Michael Miller. The mod pink and green tree fabric  is called “Yule Tree”- one of my favorites!

I also used one of my Napkin Ring Set blanks to finish the red and white striped napkin ring. For How-To Instructions on the Napkin Ring’s take a peek here.

The Glass Dinner Plate is from the local Dollar store! You can’t go wrong-

The Napkin was made using Michael Miller coordinating green dot fabric, and is cut 16″ square. Simply turn under and sew 1/4″ seams on all sides.

Here’s how to make the rest of your unique Table Setting:

The Fabric Charger Plate

13″ common acrylic charger plate (these seem to be everywhere around the Holidays, and are pretty cheap- I found mine for $1.50.  Try Walmart or Target.. they come in sets of 4. I used a silver metalic finished charger.)

Spray Adhesive for crafters (Elmer’s Craft Bond worked well for me.)

15″ Square of your favorite  Holiday fabric, ironed well.

Clear Matte Acrylic Spray

Rotary cutter

1.  Give the top of your acrylic charger a good coat of adhesive spray.

2.  Drape and center your fabric square over the tacky charger, and gently smooth it onto the charger’s top.

3.  Allow to dry completely, then turn the charger upside down on your cutting surface, and use the rotary cutter to remove excess fabric from around the rim of the charger.

4.  Are we having fun yet?! If the answer is YES, then move on to the next step!

5.  Protect the new fabric charger with 3 coats of the clear acrylic spray. Of course these are not to be immersed in wather, but will repel water, and food stains while in use as a mostly decorative piece!

                                                               ♥

Now on to the small silver dessert or serving plate….  A clear glass dinner plate from a Dollar type chains store sits between~

The Dessert Plate

a clear glass plate @ 7″ round, with a flat area in the center that will accomodate a design (again, check the Dollar store!)

a tiny motif cut from a coordination piece of fabric, (possibly from the charger fabric) or paper, to be placed in the center of the plate

silver glitter spray paint- small can

aluminum matte finish spray paint- small can

clear matte acrylic spray

1.  Wash your glass plate well.

2. Press the tiny cut motif  -if fabric.

 3.  Very lightly spray the BACK or WRONG side of the tiny motif  with two coats of clear acrylic spray, allowing it to dry between light coats. Avoid saturating it.

4.  When the tiny motif is completely dry, turn it over to the FRONT or RIGHT side and spray with the spray adhesive.

5.  Take the small round glass plate, and turn it upside down.  Then carefully center the motif on the flat center  area of the back of the plate, smoothing it gently to help it adhere.

6. Once dry, spray the back of the glass plate with several light coats of the silver glitter spray, allowing it to dry between coats.

7.  When dry, spray a 2 light coats of the aluminum spray paint on top of the glitter coat, still working on the back side of the glass plate.

8. When the aluminum spray paint is completely dry, give the back of the plate several light coats of the clear acrylic spray to protect the piece. Again, this is not an immersible piece, but it will be somewhat serviceable as a decorative or special serving piece!

                                                                 ♥

-ellen

These inspirational class samples from Swarovski expert and artist Kristal Wick  really caught my eye on her blog the other day! Her class at Quilt Festival this past Fall were a huge success, and I am sure this class will be also! Loved all the “bling”, and thought you might too! Thanks for the wonderful Bangle Bracelet Set ideas, Kristal!! Check out the rest of her blog!

XOXO

-ellen

Hello! I have been adding as quickly as I can some fun and unique fabric projects to my “PAGES” section on the left side of the Blog for our creative amusement! Goodness knows I have been totally amused to the point of not being able to stop myself from making more and more and more once I designed these “Fabric Charger & Plate Sets”. This is due to the fact that I have to confess, like alot of you crafty folks ..love to decorate my tabletop, plus just happen to have loads of nifty fabric! Ha!

The fabrics I have chosen for  the Charger, (Flight Pattern), Napkin (Enchanted Damask), and Napkin Ring (Sunrise Stripe) are original designs available in one and half yard cuts from my online boutique. Loved playing with the new Napkin Ring Set too! Check out the other projects up so far.. can’t wait ’til I get my “Discovery Collage” Pillow up…funny story on that one I have to tell you later! Thanks for stopping by!

-ellen