by Amy | Nov 7, 2014 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Projects
A long time ago….way back when there wasn’t frost on the ground and it stayed light until 11 o’clock at night, and I’d just had back surgery and wasn’t allowed to do much…I got glue gun happy and made this adorable DIY sisal tote bag.
That first one was a bit of an experiment so I didn’t document the process. But it came out lovely. I gave it away as a gift to my cousin and she just couldn’t believe that I’d made it from rope, a pillow case and a flat-rate mailing box. In my efforts to craft early for Christmas, I’ve made another, and this time I’ve got photos and instructions.
First gather your supplies:
A flat rate mailing box–or another cardboard box. Any size will do, but it’ll affect the finished shape of your tote.
Glue gun and lots of sticks.
A pillow case.
Sisal rope in a couple sizes.
Start with your box. Lay out flat, like the fist image. Here you can play around with folding up different sides to form the shape of your tote. The first one I made used a large flat rate box…the skinny kind. This one is a medium, more boxy box.
Fit your old pillowcase inside as a lining. Use some glue to adhere it to the bottom then fold the sides over the top. Cut away and excess you have, then glue the top of the pillowcase to the box. It doesn’t really matter how it looks right at this point, since it’s going to get covered up.
Then, start wrapping. Use a bead of glue to secure the rope to the box. When you get to the skinny sides with no cardboard, gently wrap it around and secure it well on either side.
This next part is pretty important. So listen to me and take my advice. As you continue wrapping, use your hand to keep consistent space on the sides as you wrap the rope around. Naturally, the box will want to become narrower toward the top. Every time you wrap around the side, use those polished fingers of yours to keep the space…so you don’t have a tote with a wide base and a really skinny opening at the top.
It’s kind of basic after that. Just keep wrapping. Switch rope sizes if you like. But keep going, around and around and around.
When you want to switch sizes, wrap to the side of your box, then tuck the end down the size {the lining will hide it} and glue it in place. Then take the end of your new rope, tuck it inside the side of the box as well, glue it in place and start wrapping where you left off.
Once you get to the top, wrap all the way up and over the rim, and do a row or two on the inside of the lining. You can see that part in this image of the first one I made.
Coil and glue rope on the bottom…and you’re almost done.
The last step is making handles.
Cut two pieces of rope for handles. If you want to embellish them a little bit, you can wrap skinny cord around them. Just be sure to space the details consistently so they are symmetrical once the handles are attached.
Attach the handles with hot glue or a combination of hot glue and super glue. If you are planning to use your tote mostly for decor, hot glue will be fine. But if you are planning to haul anything heavy in it, I’d recommend using super glue to be sure it can hold up.
Let everything dry and you’re done.
I really love the way these turn out…even it it does take some time, some glue burns and maybe a hint of crafter’s rage to produce one. They get easier and easier the more you make…so don’t be afraid. I’m totally confident in your ability to make a DIY sisal tote. They really do make awesome gifts. And they are super fun to fill with goodies and give away. You don’t even need to wrap it, just slap a bow on it and put it under the tree.
I haven’t decided what direction I’ll go with this one. {I won’t be giving it away filled with produce…} Two bottles of wine or sparkling cider and two pretty glasses fit nicely inside. Or, a couple magazines, a throw blanket and a subscription notice could be good filler. Or maybe I’ll pack it with picnic supplies. The options are endless.
Happy Friday. Happy crafting.
by Amy | Nov 4, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Genevieve. For short she goes by Gen. And just the adorable spelling of her shortened name should tell you that she is super cool and cute as a button. She’s graduating this year. At her session I complimented her on being photogenic. She laughed and said it was because the word had her name in it. PhotoGENic. On top of being pretty, and smart, she’s also got corny jokes on her side. I love it.
But seriously, taking her senior portraits was a blast…even if I did have major hair envy on the drive home.
During every senior session, it seems like there is a defining moment. A moment where I wonder if I’ve asked them to do something that’s too much, or too odd, or too awkward. During Gen’s session that moment came as I made her scale several fire escapes wearing precariously skinny heels. Did they slip through the cracks a couple times? Did they nearly trip her? Was she a good sport any way? Did we get awesome photos?
The answer to all of these is y-e-s.
{Isn’t there something very Audry Hepburn meets Express ad here?}
After scrambling stairs and climbing on roofs we headed out of town. If you ask me, there’s something very dreamy about a vintage chair in the middle of no where.
Now, you might think these photos have been great. And they have. But–I’ve omitted my very favorite two. One from town, one from country. They are hanging out over at the Facebook page right now. Head over and vote for the one you like best. If at least 40 people share their opinion, Genevieve will win an 8×10″ print! Oh, and you should just go ahead and like the page while you are there so you don’t miss out on anything fun in the future.
As of right now, I don’t have any more seniors on the books. It’s been an awesome season of shooting seniors. Every single one has blessed me with their energy and enthusiasm. And all of the girls have inspired me to do cuter things with my hair and buy more dresses! {Because they have all been so very, very fashionable and adorable.} Thanks a million, class of 2015–and especially Gen…for being a great way to end the season.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Nov 3, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It’s November! Which means, it’s time!!
Christmas mini sessions are happening. As promised, here are all the details you need.
I’ve got two dates to choose from. Sessions last about 15 minutes {but if friends are here for their session before or after you, feel free to stay and visit as long as you like!} Sessions can be scheduled at any quarter hour, but space is limited–so be sure to get your spot reserved quick.
Saturday November 15th from 1-4pm
Sunday November 23rd from 12-5pm
Session fees are just $50. You’ll get five fully edited images, with a print release and a release to share them on social media, and a custom Facebook cover collage. Files will be delivered electronically about a week after your session. Once they are in your hands you have my blessing to print them anywhere and use them as you please on all your Christmas greeting cards.
For groups of friends, sessions are $50 for up to 5 people. More people than that, it’s just $10/head–and you’ll all get the files.
**Other discounts do not apply to mini sessions
I’ll be collecting and creating more props before sessions start. I’ll have big wrapped gift boxes, a sled, faux snow, ice skates, chairs, mugs, blankets, and twinkle lights. But, you know I love creativity…so feel free to bring along something of your own.
What are you waiting for?!
Call or Text me–574-361-7268
Email me–amyallender@gmail.com
Message me via the Facebook page
Or…use the contact form here.
Thanks to all of you who had interest in holiday sessions again this year! I’m so excited to let the merriment begin!
by Amy | Oct 30, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Meet the Rogers family. {No relation to this Rogers family.} As you can see, they recently welcomed a new addition into the fold. Her name is Aurora and she precious! I know you can’t tell right now, but she’s a red-headed gem. I just love that red hair! It makes me think about another soon-to-be ginger baby I am chomping at the bit to meet. {Read this if you have no idea what I’m talking about.}
The Rogers clan also has two gorgeous dogs. When they asked if the pups could come, I was over the moon with excitement. You know I love dogs. I’m glad they came. It’s nice to have portraits of the whole family–two-legged and four-legged members included.
After a walk around the neighborhood we took that bundled up baby inside for her very own session. Since she was about a month old at the time, I’ll call it a not-quite-newborn session. She stayed wide awake the whole time, which is fine by me because this one has lovely deep blue eyes that will just make you melt.
Aurora was so well behaved for a wide-awake baby having her first portraits taken. She was pretty curious about the bright lights and that click, click, click sound. And there was no fussing…until we forced her to sit in a bucket. She held out for a few shots, and I’m grateful for that. Because she looks pretty darn cute!
Eventually she’d had enough and insisted on being taken out. Mom tried to console her, but to no avail. The fussing did, however, lead to this precious candid shot of Mommy trying to convince Aurora that buckets are fun, wonderful places to sit.
She was so much happier when we just let her be.
And when she was completely worn out and fed up with all this portrait stuff she was delighted to be held and fussed over my her mommy and daddy. I love these natural, real-life shots that give us a peek inside the love this family has for their precious baby girl.
Thanks for letting me hang out with your awesome family! Happy travels and best wishes as you move away from Minot to a warmer {less Practically Canadian} location!
xo
Amy
by Amy | Oct 27, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Everybody, meet Sam. He is my second-to-last senior of the season. He’s smart, and witty and was polite {and game} enough to oblige me as I had him trek from one corner of his family’s gorgeous property to the other. Those are qualities I always treasure in a senior client. I’m being very honest when I tell you that this guy is a true gem and I had an absolute blast taking these very country, outdoor senior portraits.
When Sam’s mom told me he was a big time reader, I was so excited to pull my stack-of-books stool out of hiding and into the open air. Not to mention that I really dig the jewel tones of the books next to those orange pants! Seriously, how cool are those jeans?! You might recognize the books {and a few other props} from a photo I posted to instagram {you should follow me @theartoflivingproject}. I know quite a few of you were curious when I showed you a trunk filled with oversized books, suitcases and chalkboards.
Sam comes from a big family. {One of his sisters married into the Rogers clan I showed you a couple months ago. If you like these photos, you should go check out that one too! See it here.} While we were taking his senior portraits, siblings were popping in and out of the house, an adorable dog was trotting through the yard and delightful smells were wafting out of the kitchen window. While that might be distracting to some photographers, I’m so happy Sam decided to have his portraits taken at his family’s property–it was a blast to be around such a busy, fun household. I love seeing people in their element, and at home, in this beautiful yard, he was very much at home.
Now. Let’s talk suits. You know I love suits at senior sessions…but this one just took the cake for me.
Okay, so I guess technically it’s not a suit. But, it sure is classy. Very European. These photos remind me of Ireland for some reason. Whatever it is, I love this suit and these photos are magical.
As you can tell, I had a great time with Sam! Thanks for hanging out and fighting the wind with me {did I mention we almost got blown over a few times?} I hope you love your photos, I know I do!
Remember to go over to the Art of Living Facebook page to vote B&W or Color in Sam’s photo contest. If at least 40 people chime in, he’ll win an 8×10 of the winner. And, if you like what you see here, I’d love it if you liked the page and shared it with friends so more people can start mastering the art of living.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Oct 24, 2014 | Blog, The Art of Art
Way back when the leaves were still green and the mosquitoes were still at large, I participated in Arts in the Park. I brought an interactive “Community Canvas” that I had outlined a design on, then let those attending the park concert help me fill in. When I took that first canvas I didn’t anticipate the amazing response it would receive.
Shortly after that night, I was invited to take part in Minot’s “Artists in the Schools” program. I think this program is genius and I think every town should be doing it. It’s just that great. Here’s how it works…The arts council puts together a catalog of local, working artists that offer specialized art sessions in classrooms. Teachers can browse the catalog and choose a session that fits in with what they are studying, or parents can purchase a session as a gift for their child’s classroom. {Isn’t that just the best teacher gift idea ever?!}]
I’ve put together a list of sessions I thought teachers and kids would like and enjoy and had them added to the roster. A “Classroom Canvas” being one of them. Same drill as a community canvas–it’s just done in a classroom, not a street festival or event.
So yesterday I had my first ever Artists in the Schools session. Mrs. Nelson, the first grade teacher that had requested me said she wanted something “owly” and fun to match her classroom. I painted the outline above.
When I first arrived, I was a little nervous about how it would go. This was my first time, after all.
But kids never fail to amaze and surprise me. They were so excited about the big piece of art they’d be making. There was no complaining, no fighting, and no rogue artists who painted as they pleased. The were great at following instructions. It was precious to see how hard they focused to stay inside the lines. Once they had gotten started I barely had to help at all. They got the idea and did a great job. However, I really had to laugh a couple times at the comments I heard them making:
Did you know most owls are actually brown?
Owls aren’t ever pink in real life?
Why are these leaves two different colors?
[spoken to me] You should be Olaf for Halloween.
I love your shirt. [I was wearing a plain gray t-shirt]
They painted in groups of 3-4 students at a time. For the rest of the class, I printed up coloring pages of the picture we were making as a class. On the canvas I’m pretty bossy about what color goes where, but on their sheet they could color any way they wanted. These may have been my favorite part of the day!
When they were done, it looked something like this–sorry for the blurry photo!
As I was cleaning up, a boy came up and gave me a hug. When he turned around he accidentally knocked a painty pallet off the table onto the carpet. I picked it up and was met by the infamous classroom, “Um-m-m-m-m-m…” One kid said, “Mrs. Nelson is going to be so mad….”
“Okay, everyone relax. Mrs. Nelson isn’t going to be mad. I’m going to clean it up, just don’t walk over here for a minute. We don’t need painty shoes too.” Little did these kids know, this isn’t my first paint-on-the-carpet-experience. But, as soon as the words left my mouth Mrs. Nelson walked back in. Immediately a little boy went and grabbed her by the hand. Without a word he led her over to the painted carpet, pointing the whole time. Tattle tail.
Big surprise, it was no big deal. I just had to share the story. Those kids crack me up. I had so much fun. Today I reoutlined the image. Monday I’ll be taking it to it’s new home in Mrs. Nelson’s classroom! I’m so pleased and proud of how it turned out, and I’m so grateful to have had a chance to hang with such an awesome class.
by Amy | Oct 23, 2014 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Art, The Art of Design, The Art of Gathering, The Art of Projects, the house
Check out my spooky fall trees! Usually the chalkboard panels only live inside when I’m expecting or shooting photos…but a few weeks ago a client asked if I ever decorate them and leave them up. You can imagine how silly I felt when I told her “No.”
So, one night, while Derek was working late I drew up these spooky trees. I love them. They really put me in a festive, fall mood. Since we’ve had to clear everything out of the basement as we start to make progress on that project all my decor is being stored in the attic and is inaccessible. For the first year I can ever remember, my house was stark naked of fall decor. No leaves, no wreaths, no paper bats, no Halloween candy dishes, no 60’s plastic pumpkin lamp. Nada. I’m still jonesing for that pumpkin lamp, but the chalk trees are doing a good job of holding of a real hate rage.
My question, for you is…if you were me, would you leave these up all the time? Should I leave them through Christmas? Let me know. Comment here {really hoping the glitch is gone from the comment system…} or tell me on Facebook tonight.
On a side note, a couple nights ago some friends of ours hosted a pumpkin carving party. I cannot even start to describe the genius of these people I’m lucky enough to call friends. Look at this spread! Not a triangle-eyed face among them.
Please take special note of Mufassa, the adorable hedge hogs!! Oh, and Grumpy Cat! I’m so stinking impressed with every single one. I carved the spider. Probably my best yet. Even better than last year’s. Derek made the eagle in back. He’s so American.
Obviously, when we got home we snapped one of our self-timed pics we are so notorious for. Again, the trees look awesome.
Oh, and for good measure I nabbed a close up of the Grumpy Cat pumpkin our friend Danica made. Hope she’s okay with me stealing it from her Facebook page…I included it here because it’s so amazing and you all deserved to see a close up.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for more fall fun when I show off my first Artists in the Schools piece that I did today with a group of first graders!
by Amy | Oct 21, 2014 | Blog, Crafts, The Art of Art, The Art of Projects
I’m still trying to get some Christmas crafts in the works. One thing that I want to make for a few friends are canvas/sign art. I really didn’t know what route I wanted to go…so I started looking into the bowels of the Internet for inspiration. Without further ado…
20 tutorials, resources and ideas for creating your very own DIY Canvas Art
1. This technique from ‘A Casarella is fool proof. You don’t even make the letters yourself, and it looks super classy.
2. Great tutorial on making this colorful canvas, from Kallie at But First, Coffee.
3. I use this technique for all kinds of projects…including my statement stairs! Leana, at A Small Snippet did a great job of making an easy to follow tutorial.
4. This one requires a projector…but the results are simply amazing! Craftaholics Anonymous has a fab tutorial for using liquid leaf to make this statement piece.
5. This is another technique I love. Only basic supplies needed to transfer any font you can think of to canvas! See the how-to at Virginia & Charlie.
6. Christa’s Adventures offers an easy to follow tutorial for making an upcycled sign and adding lettering to it.
7. When it comes to making a distressed sign, I haven’t found a tutorial I like better than this one from Miss Mustard Seed.
8. The Thinking Closet made this sign with vinyl lettering. But even if you don’t have a vinyl cutter you should still pin this one simply for the sake of the pallet-sign tutorial.
9. This one doesn’t require any lettering at all. Just buy the letters and light them up. Another great tutorial from Uncommon Designs.
10. This tutorial from Saved By Love Creations does an awesome job of breaking down this pallet sign and how she got it perfectly lettered.
For those of you feeling a little more adventurous, here are five awesome tutorials on hand lettering and sign painting.
11. Diddle Dumpling used her printer and water to make a perfect transfer onto wood. Then she painted over the top.
12. This is a great look at how to create a hand lettered design from start to finish. Head over to A Pair & A Spare to see the tutorial.
13. Kristi from I Should Be Mopping the Floor did a guest post at Ring Around the Rosies to explain her technique for letting on a chalkboard.
14. For those confident in free handing, here’s a handy tip from Oh, So Very Pretty. I love that the tutorial covers the lovely gradient effect she achieved on the canvas!
15. Emily at Jones Design Company offers a great how-to on turning your own hand writing into something fancy-schmancy.
Now, just to make sure you are ready to create, here are five more resources for getting your quote art under way!
16. Get letting inspiration and great fonts from DaFont.com
17. Bible Gateway put out a list of it’s 100 most-read verses. It’s a great place to find the perfect quote.
18. Oh, and this is the page for A-Z Lyrics. I’ve got this linked to all the Switchfoot songs right now…a great place to find good quotes, since they are one of the greatest bands of all time. {But you can search any artist you like.}
19. Brainy Quotes has a great data base of all kinds of quotes. You can search by author or genre.
20. And finally a link to Rifle Paper Co. If you can’t glean inspiration from her, you won’t get it anywhere.
Happy Making!
