Burlap Table Covers

 

 A Custom burlap table cover:

My friend and I were working one day at a show and had a real tough time dealing with the winds.

The table skirts kept sweeping up and getting stuck to the product and also would expose our supplies we had for the show that were kept under the tables. My friend had this brilliant idea of making a custom table cover. Since she doesn't sew and I do, (although I don't do it often anymore) she suggested that  I try to make a custom table cover with a side panel opening to access beneath the table. I thought this was an awesome idea and gave it a go. (of course, you always have more courage when you don't know what your walking into..... lol)



 

 

 

 The burlap was rough and heavy and not fun to manage. The first thing was to precut the pieces needed. I wrapped the burlap along the edge of the table from one end all the way to the other end. I did this by selecting the length of the burlap so that its all one seamless piece all the way around the table. I then took the remaining burlap and measured out the table topper piece. So this table consists of 2 pieces. I then pinned all the way around along the edges to connect the top with all 4 sides of burlap. I had to place some weights on top of the table to keep the burlap from sliding around the table. This is very important, otherwise your burlap ends may end up uneven.

 

Oh, I almost forgot, when measuring the table side walls, make sure to add about a 10inch overlap as shown above. We are going to use this section to be the "opening" of the burlap so that you can access underneath the table for storage.

I have all the burlap top pinned to the burlap sides, and I pulled the overlap section up, so you can see how to access underneath the table. You will also notice that there are 3 boxes filled with rocks to weigh down the burlap fabric so it wont slide around. Now its ready to be sewn.

 

 

 



After the edges are sewn, now you need to finish the edges off, otherwise you will have major fraying, and that is no fun to deal with and your cover won't last either. Oh, by the way, burlap is not the most fun to work with. Its messy and frays a lot. It also sheds and gets on everything, so I highly recommend you work on it outside, precut it outside and make sure you have good ventilation since is no fun with folks who have allergies. K...back to the edge finishing.. the method I chose was to use steam adhesive that is washable.

 

Now I turned the cover right side out and here it is finished. I was very pleased with the outcome, as I have never done a custom table cover like this, and I certainly never worked with burlap before either. The one thing I also learned is that burlap comes in many different thicknesses and colors. As you can see in the photo, you can almost see through to the table legs underneath.  I will be placing a tablecloth between the table and the burlap to prevent the transparency.


Notes: Since burlap frays so much, I have no intentions of washing it. I will use it and try to be careful with it, as I am naturally with all my things, so that is lasts as long as possible. By the way, we used these covers at our Van Nuys show and I loved the look it gave our booth. You can see pics on my facebook page. https://www.facebook/bellaluzdesignz

 

THIS WEEKEND SHOW- COME SAY HELLO....

2014 Spring Shows.. Whats New!!!

Hey there.... I've been working hard on some beautiful and vibrant additions to my collectables.

I wanted to have the first one ready for our first show and I just made it, barely. It made its debut at the Lido Village Market in Newport Beach last weekend. I will be talking more about it in a bit, but allow me to give you a quick review of our Lido event.

Here is our booth space at the Lido Village Market.

Take a good look, so you know what to look for the next time you visit us at any of our upcoming shows...

My pocket watches are always an intriguing piece to experience...

TouchOfSoulfulCreations-Owner/ShaRhondaHouston product line was also at the show. Her floral hair accessories,mason wine and margarita glasses and bejeweled journals are always a shoppers favorite.They nest comfortably with my 5x8 canvas mixed media artwork.

Speaking of favorites, I can't seem to keep my purse holders in stock. I'm so glad they are fun to make, I always try to change the design a bit. This collection had glitter in the resin which gives the purse holder image a more "lucid" appearance. Very cool to see in person!

These girls are taking an up close look at the purse holders...

All in all, the event was lots of fun and we met some great and friendly people.

We look forward to doing this show again...hopefully this summer!

***NEW ADDITION.***

As promised, now lets review the debut of my new piece. These are metal stretch band ring watches. Yes, real watches that work great and battery is replaceable.The bezel comes empty, which is the cover-face of the watch. This is the section of the piece that I add my art work and design.

Lets take a closer look..... 

I create my digital image and reduce it to fit the size of the bezel.

I then print, cut, adhere. Then I hand place each swarovski crystals.

The last step is mixing, pouring and setting the resin.

I sometimes used S_Crystals, or seed beads, or S-Opals.

I will continue to play with my designs and evolve with different designs.

The face opens on a spring hinge. Here is a view of the inside watch piece. 

To introduce the RING WATCHES, I created this advertisement and will be

sharing them at the upcoming shows.

Well, that's about it for now, 

I hope you are excited about spring, its here in all its glory and
ready to shine into all our lives...I will be making more posts on what I am working on....
Its a little crazy right now, I'm booking new shows, I'm working on new product and I
want to also make time to show you what I'm working on. Stay tuned....
Oh....you can now see my product at https://www.facebook.com/bellaluzdesignz

5x5 Christmas Greeting Cards

I really love the steam punk and eclectic images I have been working on for this holiday.
So I was wondering why am I just making tags and jewelry with my digital art?
Why don't I try and turn my images into Holiday cards?

So.... I have never ventured into card making before, so, for those of you who are aficionados of this talent, please don't judge too harshly.  ;)

Fairee-Christmas

I first spent a few days creating the digital image, using layers of images, backgrounds and wording and then grouping images and segments together to derive this final design image. There are about 38 layers on this image.

Once I was happy with the design, I then print, cut and paste onto the 5x5 blank card. I added frosted stickles in ice blue and silver for accent. I also layered a segment of fiber in caramel color onto the card spine.

There are 4 digital designed pages for each card design I make. The front, the left inside, the right inside and then the back of the card. As depicted below:

 

 

 

Below are a few more digital designs with the same design structure in mind...

 

SnowBalls

 



Boudoir

 



 

 

 

Red



Holiday Gift-Card Tags

Good Day, I hope you are having a wonderful holiday!
I have below a new design on my tags this Holiday. I have created gift tags that also serve as gift card holders. These have become a big hit at all the shows and events I have attended. So thank you very much for everyone who has appreciated them!   :)

I thought I would share some design details with you today:




CandyCane-GiftCard Tag

 This large tag is made from thick quality card stock. The is size is 3x4 ish... since I custom made the tag base cards myself, their not store bought.

I created a digital image for both sides of the tag. Front (left image). I then layered the back side with twice the image to camouflage the white pocket that I placed onto the back of the tag. (right image)

Note: The digital images take layers of images and backgrounds and lettering design, which takes several hours to design before a final image is completed.




 

SnowFairee-GiftCard Tag

I typically take a couple days, even a week to first work on the digital images I want for each tag design. I wanted to create atleast 4 to 5 different designs to start with. This took about 2weeks to complete, off and on between my 9-5 job and sleeping.  LOL..  :)                                                                                    Once I complete the designs I like, then I begin the printing, cutting and gluing the image onto each tag. In this design, I wanted to make tags that would carry a little pocket that would hold a gift card. So, as you see in the image on the far right (in blue) you can view the pocket with a small tag peeking out from the top.

                                                                                             

 

I started with only 20 tags and took them to my next show and they all sold,.
I only had 2 left. So since they sold so well, 
I have continued to make them and they will become a staple item
that is seasonal throughout the year at different events. 
Most ladies said they would use them for fellow co-workers and employees.
I was so happy that these were well liked!!

Feel free to stop my our next event on Costa Mesa and pick some up! Its this Sunday at FrameMyArt. 11a-4p, there will be wine, music and raffles too!

Purse Holders for the Holiday....

Hey there ladies...
Yes, I know generally I don't assume its only ladies viewing my blog,
but this time, this is for the GIRLZ!!! :)

These purse holders sold like crazy in all the events I have attended and I don't have any more product left to make new ones.

So this is a sample of my last batch!

 

 I have 20 left and they are all going to be at the event on 12-15-13 in Costa Mesa at FramyMyArt 11am-4pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/167547230122893

 



DomeLit Display - Tree Decorations

Hello friends, I hope you are happy and having fun this season.

 I am finding inspiration everywhere I go and this piece is no exception. I was at Macy's looking for a gift for a friend and I wanted something elegant but playful. I wondered into their Holiday Décor, naturally right?  LOL... :)

 

I found these beautiful snow globes, but they were heavy and you had to shake them to make the snow move. I wanted a decorative piece and they could of worked perfectly, except... well I wasn't sure. So I walked away and just kept thinking about it all day.

Then  a week later  I saw these glass mini cake displays. I wondered how hard would it be if I could create my own winter scene and try to have it light up? So I bought a couple of mini displays, and got to work.

This first image is the completed piece, which I entitled "Tree Decorations".
In the next couple of images I will explain what I used to make it.

DomeLit Display -TreeDecorations

So here is the piece with all the removable pieces displayed for you to get a better idea. I used card board to make the round base for the battery compartment and the base of the winter scene.

The house is made of very thin wood I got at Joanns. Measure, cut glued. Then I drew using my digital art a "house", then printed cut and glued that to the sides of the wood,. I lined the inside with red felt. I placed a candy cane ornament inside as a surprise. But this is a great hiding place for that special trinket or beloved treasure. The roof (is removable and serves as the house "lid" and  is also made of wood and paper glued on top.

 As you can see in the above photo, the scene is of a little girl just footsteps away from her family home. She is holding a red ornament in preparation to decorate the tree. On the right of the house is a douglas fir tree and beside that is a doe seeking nourishment. I made a sign in front with the greeting "Merry Christmas". I placed lights throughout the scene that are battery operated and can be easily replaced as needed. At the base of the scene I placed white satine ribbon with pearl seed beads. I also added crystal gem drops to accent the pieces elegance and height. The snow on the roof of the house and the tree and the scene floor is all found at Michaels.

 

This last image is a view of the structure for more perspective on the design elements and how the battery compartment conceals and houses the batteries and light switch.

 

 

I will be selling this piece at our upcoming event on 12-15-13. If you are interested please email me at bellaluzdesignz@yahoo.com and I will be happy to help you. I will be making some for upcoming  summer season as well, so stay tuned.  

Take care,

Lyn