How To Hand Sew - Beginner Hand Sewing Guide

Last year at about this time, I began work on what is as of today, my longest project (taking over a year to date) my largest project,

& my longest lesson,

& biggest learning experience, in an art project.

The project contains many small steps - repeated in concession. & while I don't want to give away entirely too much (though if you do follow along on Instagram, the most minor investigation skills would lead to you figuring out what I'm referring too).

I have decided to begin sharing some if the smaller Tutorials for the skills that would be required. I am going to begin with a D.I.Y. Beginner Hand Sewing Guide. I love getting requests from you guys, & jumped on my gals suggestion to share this with you guys! I have put together a list of 3 Basic Stitches, each with their own list of benefits, & uses. 

While the Tutorials below are for THREE Stitches - You will in reality be learning 5 Variations of Stitches! The Skill sewing by hand is something my Mom taught me at a very young age. I learned so many Skills that I will forever be Grateful for, while watching her over the years.
The Running Stitch & The Taking Stitch
The Back Stitch
The Blanket Stitch
& The Edging Stitch
This Stitch was taught to me in Art Class - while making DIY Cards; by a women (Sam Crosby) I was blessed to have Teach me Dance, Vocal Lessons, Coach, Choreographer, Grade 8, & many classes in High School.

Thread The Needle & Lets's Get Started

Stitch #1 ~ The Running Stitch : is in my opinion the simplest, yet most versatile & useful stitch. Simple variations to the stitch allow for an endless amount of different uses, incredibly great for adhering patches, seems, hems, & button application.

How To :

Rule Of Thumb: Always Begin by piercing the fabric from the back side, & pull until the knot meets the fabric (this will insure a hidden knot).

Create a small space and pierce through the Fabric this time from the Front to the Back, 

pull taught.

Repeat the stitch again from the Back of the Fabric to the Front (as you did the first time), and pull taught.

Continue This Back to Front - Front to Back Stitch Pattern.

A Tacking or Basting Stitch : is identical in technique to the Running Stitch just with longer gaps between stitches. It is used to temporarily attach fabrics, instead of using pins.

Stitch #2 ~ The Back Stitch : A very strong hold stitch, great for added strength, & adding details on seems, patchwork, & even embroidery.

How To :

You will be doing exactly what the Name says - Stitching Backwards. Stitching in a Right to Left, direction. Begin From the Back, but begin where you would Imagine a single Running Stitch would end. 

Cary the stitch back in the left direction. This time Stitching Front to Back. 

Pull Taught.

Repeat this Process, Stitching again from the Back - beginning at the left side of the Stitch again,

Stitch Back to Front (going in the same hole as the Stitch previous (as shown above). Pull taught.  

Repeat this Right To Left stitch pattern.

Stitch #3 ~ The Blanket Stitch : 
This is a bit of a more complex hand stitch, but it is one that I think is so beautiful & is a great skill to add the perfect finishing touch to your sewing project(s)
The first step of this stitch is actually a stitch of its own entirely (The Edge Stitch). So your technically getting 2 skills for the practice of 1.

How To :

Beginning from the Back (always).

If you are attaching more than one piece of fabric to the other, Begin the first Stitch by piercing your needle through the top layer pf fabric only, this will create a hidden knot & first stitch. 

Bring the needle in an upwards motion, and wrap around the edge of the fabric to the Back side. Piercing through exactly where you began from & pull until there is about a 1/4" loop - with practice you will be able to shrink the size of the loop but for practice sake this is a great rule of thumb.

If you were to pull it tight This in essence - repeated - is an Edge Stitch... but in not basic fashion we are NOT done there...

To upgrade & finish The Blanket Stitch - simply tuck the needle in (a backwards direction) under the loop. 

Repeat this process - with the second stitch & those after will began at the back of BOTH pieces of thread. 

Practice getting your stitches as evenly spaced deep & spaced apart.

Sweet & Salty Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe(s)

With the days growing colder now that we are deep into Autumn, I am starting to crave quite time spent at home. Getting organized for the Holidays, planning for our upcoming wedding, cooking & baking. Now that the heat is on, and summer is a thing of the past,  I'm longer am avoiding turning my stove on at all cost! With Wedding Season & my cosmetic Bookings wrapping up for the year, I have more time to spend working creatively, trying new Recipes & attempting/ learning new Craft Skills. As the weather continues to cool, I will spend more & more time in hibernation mood - nesting & creating, so be sure to keep your eyes out for NEW DIY Tutorials  & Christmas Inspiration coming to the Blog very soon!
I love this time of year - what I refer to as - Celebration Season! While carving pumpkins this year, I mentioned to my friend that I had never had pumpkin seeds! She was super shocked, & suggested I save the seeds we had just de-gutted out of 4 pumpkins & put them to use, ensuring me that it was super simple to do!
I decided that since I had SO many seeds, I would practice different flavor combinations! After taste testing a few different kinds. I have selected my favourite SWEET & SALTY Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipes!

Begin by collecting all of the seeds from the center of a Pumpkin & place into a large mixing bowl.

This recipe is for 1 Average Sized Pumpkin - which I found yielded roughly 1cup of Seeds.

Fill the mixing bowl with cold water. Let them rest for 30min-1hr.

Using your fingers carefully sift the seeds off the top of the bowl.

You will notice the water is now quite a vibrant shade of orange & loaded with pumpkin fiber.

Cover a baking sheet in napkins/paper towel & spread your seeds out as evenly as possible. Let sit for 5+hrs (or leave overnight) to ensure that they have dried out completely!!

Preheat oven to 325. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick/silicone baking sheet.

If you are making two flavors of Seeds, separate into two 1/2 cups bowls & Add 1 tbs Avocado Oil into each. Mix Well.

If you are only making 1 flavour add 2tbs Avocado into 1cup of Seeds. Mix well

Prepare you seasonings / Flavour Mixtures.

TEX MEX Seasoning RECIPE:

1tbs Tex Mex Seasoning

1/2 tbs Salt

Cinnamon Sugar Seasoning RECIPE

1tbs sugar(s)

1/2 tbs cinnamon

Mix Well.

 Spread Seasonings over Oiled Seeds. Mix Well.

 Spread flat over a baking sheet.

Place in [350 Degree Preheated] Oven. Set Timer for 15min.

 Remove from oven & Stir/Mix.

 Re-flatten over tray.

Place back in oven. Set Timer for 10min.

Remove From Oven & into a bowl to cool.

Package, & Share!

Eat & Enjoy!!!

Sweet & Salty Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

PREP TIME: 30min    COOK TIME: 25min    TOTAL TIME: 55min    DIFFICULTY: Easy
Depending on if you prefer to make the [Salty] Tex Mex or [Sweet] Cinnamon Sugar Variation the Prep and Cook time will be identical & the only difference is which spices / flavors you add come that Step of the Recipe.

INGREDIENTS
Pumpkin Seeds [1CUP]
2tbs Becel Avocado Oil
TEX MEX Seasoning RECIPE:
1tbs Tex Mex Seasoning
1/2 tbs Salt
Cinnamon Sugar Seasoning RECIPE
1tbs sugar(s)
1/2 tbs cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by collecting all of the seeds from the center of a Pumpkin & place into a large mixing bowl.This recipe is for 1 Average Sized Pumpkin - which I found yielded roughly 1cup of Seeds.Fill the mixing bowl with cold water. Let them rest for 30min-1hr. Using your fingers carefully sift the seeds off the top of the bowl. You will notice the water is now quite a vibrant shade of orange & loaded with pumpkin fiber. Cover a baking sheet in napkins/paper towel & spread your seeds out as evenly as possible. Let sit for 5+hrs (or leave overnight) to ensure that they have dried out completely!! Preheat oven to 325. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick/silicone baking sheet.If you are making two flavors of Seeds, separate into two 1/2 cups bowls & Add 1 tbs Avocado Oil into each. Mix Well. (If you are only making 1 flavour add 2tbs Avocado Oil into 1cup of Seeds) & ix well .Prepare you seasonings / flavour Mixtures.

TEX MEX Seasoning RECIPE:
1tbs Tex Mex Seasoning
1/2 tbs Salt
Cinnamon Sugar Seasoning RECIPE
1tbs sugar(s)
1/2 tbs cinnamon

Combine All ingredients in a small bowl & mix Well.
Spread Seasonings over Oiled Seeds, mix Well & spread flat over a baking sheet. Place in [350 Degree Preheated] Oven. Set Timer for 15min. Remove from oven & Stir/Mix. Re-flatten over tray.  Place back in oven. Set Timer for 10min. Remove From Oven & into a bowl to cool.
Package, & Share!
Eat & Enjoy!!!

5 Last minute // Up-cycled Halloween Costumes

This Year I was committed to creating Halloween Looks using ONLY items I already had! The commitment to not buying anything challenged me to get creative with how to make use of the Items I already had in the original Costume concepts. From there is also challenged me to re-consider how I could make use of the craft items that I had (such as ribbon) even if something else may have traditionally seemed like a more practical material to create it out of. 

Halloween has become quite commercialized, the average department store costume (that if it's not that 1 costume every kid wore for 3 years in a row, it will likely only be worn once, and maybe passed down once) costs $25 - $50, & high end ones can run you a few hundred!

My hope is that this helps to inspire you to get creative with your Halloween costumes, & reminds you that with a bit of creative thinking & a bit of handy work, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, in fact it doesn't have to cost you ANYTHING at all!

Upcy Girl Alien Race 

Costume: 
Moon Phases T-Shirt 
Metallic Silver Shorts
Fishnet Socks
Black Elbow Gloves
Knee High Boots
Gemstones

DIY It's Just A Phase T-Shirt, How To: 
HERE

Makeup Look:
Moisturizer
Plum Eyeliner
Plum Eye shadow
Green Eye shadow
Black Liquid Eyeliner
Holographic Highlighter
Mascara / False Lashes
Eyelash Glue
Gems / Rhinestones

 Begin by moisturizing to the face,

 Apply a Green shadow to the entirety of the upper eyelid. & Plum shadow below the lower lash line, sweep in towards the inner eye / nose. Apply mascara / false lashes & liquid eyeliner to the top lash line. Follow with Plum eyeliner onto the water line on the lower lash line. Finish the eyes by applying a Holographic Highlighter below the eyebrow, as well as to the inner tear duct area.

Contour the cheeks using the Plum eye shadow to create a very deep & dark contrast to the Holographic Highlighter you will place onto the upper cheek bone area. 

I doubled down on a second cosmetic product -Plum Eyeliner, and use it to line the lip ( fill the entire lip in) & dab a small amount of the Holographic Highlighter on the center of the lip to create depth there as well. 

To finish off the entire look use Eyelash Glue to apply a tiara of Gemstone coloured craft rhinestones, I also added two below the eye as well. 

Hair went into two Space Buns & DONE!

Wendy Darling (Peter Pan) 

OKAY Can I just say that this costume is kinda legendary --  
A Recognizable Character, SUPER Simple Cosmetics, & you legit get to wear a comfy nightgown all night instead of a stuffy uncomfortable costume!

Costume:
Blue Nightgown
Blue Ribbon
Black Shoes


Makeup Look:

Bright Pink Lipstick

Mascara // Fake Lashes

Blush

Lots of Mascara or Fake Lashes to create that Disney Dreamy Lash look!

A Bright Pink Lip, paired with a sweep of blush on the Apple of your cheeks!
Hair pulled into a high ponytail & secured in place using a Blue Ribbon tied into a bow.

DONE

Dolly Girl

Costume:
Black Shirt
White/Black Lace Top
Knee High Socks
Black Heels 

Makeup Look:
Red Lipstick
False Lashes [x2]
Brown Eyeliner
Black Eyeliner
Mascara

False Lashes on the Top & Bottom of your eyes are key [be patient if it is your first time applying lashes to either your top or bottom lash line. As A Tip - wait 20 seconds after applying the glue to the lashes to ensure they are good and tacky before applying them to your eyes]! Apply Mascara to finish the eyes. Use black eyeliner to fully fill your eyebrows to create a painted face appearance. 
To tie in with the eyebrows, use your Red Lipstick instead of a Blush on your cheeks. 
Draw as close to perfect circles as you can and again fill them in completely. 
Apply the same Red Lipstick to your lips as well! Lastly speckling over your nose bridge & cheeks to create the look of freckled skin will complete this look & you are DONE!

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Costume:
~ Black Hat
~ Black Skirt
~ Black Tights
~ White Dress Shirt
~ Red Ribbon

DIY Ribbon Belt & Tie, How To:
I had a very thick spool of Red Ribbon - Cut a thin length off all the way down. I tied the thin portion around the neck to create a bow tie. & then tie the thicker portion around the waist to create the Red Belted look.

Makeup Look:

~ Red Lipstick

~ Mascara // Fake Lashes

~ Bronzer

Lots of Mascara or Fake Lashes to create a more dramatic than every day eye-look.

Red Lipstick to match the Tie & Belt.
 Bronzer for a bit of youthful colour & the look is DONE!

Creepy Clown 

Costume:

~ Tank Top (Solid Coloured Shirt) 

Ribbon 

~ Knee High Socks

~ Green Fish Nets

~ Safety Pins

~ Needle & Thread

~ Buttons

~ Hot-Glue Gun

DIY Neck & Wrist Frills Cuffs, How To:

Using some Purple & Green Ribbon (placed back to back) begin creating & securing Large Loops of the Ribbon to another base piece of Purple Ribbon [as a tip, Measure the ribbon to ensure the loops are the same size]. Continue this process until it wraps entirely around your neck. Trim off & secure closed with a Safety Pin. 
REPEAT this same process only smaller to create both of the wrist frill cuffs.

DIY No Sew Ribbon Tutu , How To:
Cut 100 [3 different length] pieces of the same Purple & Green  Ribbon as the Neck & Wrist Frills, and looped them into Crochet Waist Elastic & secure it at the back using a Hot Glue Gun.

DIY Button Clown Top, How To:

Using a good old fashioned Needle & Thread stitch Three Purple Buttons [evenly spaced] down the front of a bright pink Tank Top. 
I don't know why, or where this look originated but to me it is just the classic clown look.

Makeup Look:

~ Red Lipstick

~ Black Liquid Eyeliner

~ White Eyeliner

~ Mascara / False Lashes

Begin again by moisturizing your entire face. This will not just help to protect your skin, but also ease the removal process!
The eyebrows were filled several shades darker than my natural brow, a very dramatic black/brown. Apply black liquid eyeliner in Triangular shapes above & below your eye. I continued the top point far past my Eyebrow in a dramatic peak. Add circular shapes with the same black eyeliner at the base of your lower triangle to create a 'drip' shape. 
When eyeliner was then applied as a highlight! 
Apply lipstick to your natural lip & extend a line (similar to a Chelsea Smile. 
Grab the liquid liner and outline your natural lip. 
Again use the white eyeliner to create highlight. 
Draw a rounded bottom heart shape on your nose with the same red lipstick. Again white eyeliner to highlight. 

Not Vibing these? Looking for something MORE? ...

DIY Dripping Blood Choker
DIY Unicorn & Meadow Costumes
6 Last Minute Cosmetic Halloween Costumes
6 Upcy Halloween Costumes
6 (MORE) Upcy Halloween Costumes