Handmade

Made

I did it. I fixed my sewing machine. By myself. I’m amazing.

Okay, it wasn’t broken but I figured out why it was acting crazy. I wasn’t threading the bobbin correctly. I missed one major minor step. I forgot to push in the side button to stop the needle from going up and down while the thread wound around the bobbin. After wasting a good amount of thread and time I figured it out. My third grade teacher Mrs. Neal always said, “when all else fails, read the directions.” Home girl wasn’t kidding.

I didn’t know where to start first. I had so many projects and crafts bookmarked. Felt monster? No, I don’t have any felt. And I can’t draw. Fixed flat-fold Roman shade? No, Roman shades don’t look good with hideous vertical blinds. Handmade produce bags? No, I’m not that green yet. Beanbags for Jenin to throw at Maysoon around the house? Nope.
My real problem was that I don’t have any fabric.
No fabric.
With a sewing machine.
So lame.

That’s like a baker without sugar. I’ve been in that situation too.

But wait… There is one idea that doesn’t require fabric but does need a sewing machine. A paper butterfly garland.

I had seen it on etsy and studied the pictures closely. “I could totally make that,” I thought to myself. But I think that about a lot of things and am proven ever so wrong once I try. Way back when I had seen this post and rushed out to buy the Martha Stewart butterfly punch. But then I realized that I am no Ali Edwards.

Well I took out that little punch that never had a chance and punched and punched my way into the night. Through Biggest Loser (when is Tracey going to be voted off?!?) and through a huge mug of Ghirardelli hot cocoa (this is why Maysoon weighed 9 lbs 1 oz at birth).

So pretty. Oh the possibilities…

Ready?

J’s distracted. Let’s do this.


This sucker was long. I was able to punch out 100 butterflies from each piece of 12×12 card stock. I used two sheets.

Can you see the other garland in the background?

Truth be told I made a garland “real quick” right before Biggest Loser last night. I was so inspired and felt so accomplished that I actually made it that I folded a HUGE load of laundry and put it away all after the show was done but before Jay Leno had finished.

Here’s my first garland:

If you noticed I made some changes to the second garland. The first one had patterned card stock but was plain on the back. I also sewed through the body instead of through the wings. These were ridiculously easy to make. So much so that I think I might make another one tomorrow. For the next Eid I’m going to make a star and crescent one granted I can find a star and crescent punch. I want to make them and give them out. But I don’t know who would want one. I already told Nada (my BFF/neighbor) that I’d make one for her girls’ playroom. I’m sure I’ll make one for Iman. Anyone else want one?

Thank you Bumblebee Enterprises for the inspiration.

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12 Comments

  • Iman says:
    10/22/2009 at 4:29 am

    I love it!! You're Awesome!!
    can you edit the blog so we can enlarge the pics!?

  • vala.... says:
    10/22/2009 at 9:21 am

    looks great….love it

  • Enchantresses Three says:
    10/22/2009 at 12:33 pm

    Wow! Your garlands are beautiful!!!!!What a fun blog you have!

    You asked about our spray gun we used for our china cabinet. Hubby bought it at Lowes. Luckely I have a husband who owns every tool there ever was, because you have to have a compressor to work the gun, you can buy those at Lowes as well, but they are pretty pricey.

    Hugs,
    Sariah
    P.S. Love the table you bought at Savers!

  • crzypalgrl says:
    10/22/2009 at 3:32 pm

    OMG AMNAH I want one!!!! But make mine with owls!!!

  • cairo, lusaka, amsterdam says:
    10/23/2009 at 8:54 am

    Oh wow they are beautiful! I love them!

  • Amnah says:
    10/24/2009 at 5:20 am

    Thanks Iman! I don't know how to do that to my pictures! It's totally random, sometimes I does it sometimes it doesn't.

    Thanks Vala, CLA, and Affnan! BTW, Affnan, I can't find a cute owl punch.

    Sariah, thanks!! My dad is like your hubby, he has ALL the tools including the air compressor. I hope I can find that sprayer.

  • crzypalgrl says:
    10/25/2009 at 9:36 am

    Thats cool I still want one. lol

  • Andrea says:
    10/27/2009 at 6:13 pm

    I love your garland! I know my girls would love to have that in their bedroom! Thanks for sharing!

  • Leanne says:
    10/27/2009 at 8:17 pm

    I love the butterfly garland. So pretty! I agree with you about Traci. What's the deal with that! You should check out the mobile I made on my site. It would look great with the butterflies.

  • Ashley @ AshleysBusy says:
    10/27/2009 at 11:06 pm

    This came out so pretty, especially the yellow toned mulitcolor one. I love it. Totally feel ya on the sewing machine. Had my own probs today with mine and had to go download the user manual. 🙂

  • FondantKiss says:
    10/28/2009 at 8:51 am

    This post just soved a HUGE problem for last min halloween decs! You are awesome! Thanks!
    Best regards
    Deb

  • Mandy says:
    10/28/2009 at 11:03 pm

    Adorable! I love it!

Comments are closed.