Berry Birdy

Latest issue of Quilts and More is now on new stands! Check out the simply adorable acorn pincushion and needle holder... Found on page 80, designed by... Me!! I still get thrilled when I see something that I have designed and made on the cover of a magazine! This time I showed the cashier! :) enjoy!

My daughter requested this veil for her wedding on the 23rd of July, so I thought I would share what I did! First I cut out the two bottom corners so that they curved nicely, then with a beading needle and doubling my white thread, I knotted the thread right into the tulle. This makes it so the thread doesn't slip through since there isn't much for it to hold on to. Then started with 3 of the clear beads, 1/4" from the edge of the veil....made a small stitch in the tulle and three of the glossy beads. I continued to alternate in this manner all the way around the sides and curves, leaving the top edge to gather on the comb. This need up being a perfect weight and fell nicely around her shoulders!

This technique is like "whitewashing" but using stain over the paint to create a darker washed over look... So I call it "Stainwashing". First you paint the item with a semi-gloss acrylic latex paint. I like the semi-gloss because it washes over nicer with the stain. You may use a matte if you would like a less streaky look. Let it dry completely before using the stain. The stain I used is Minwax poly shades in Mission Oak. This one has a not so dark look but still creates a washed over streak. Using a regular paint brush, quickly paint over an even stoke over one surface. It good to start on a small part and work to the bigger areas so you can get the hang of it. The stain dries pretty fast and you will need to work quickly. When you have the area covered, take a cotton cloth and gently rub the stain in long even strokes. This will "rub" the stain in and create the Stainwashed look. You can do a couple coats if you wish, just be sure to let the first coat...