Modern Crafty Wreath

Handmade Wreath

Two White Birds :: For our Two Boys

Bird Detail :: Handpicked by our Little Man at a local craft store

Leftover Yarn Detail :: Randomly Wrapped by our Boys

Tweet! Tweet!

Hello there.  Today I want to share with you the wreath we made with our boys.  It's a super simple project you can do with your kids, in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

:: Materials ::

12 inch round styrofoam 

fabric scraps, cut lengthwise

stray yarns

raffia (or ribbons, if you prefer)

birds, or choice of accents

:: How To ::

wrap fabric scraps around styrofoam (pin or glue to secure)

randomly cross over some yarn

tie raffia or ribbon and make a bow

hook or tie your choice of accents

:: All Done! ::

Now step back and enjoy your one of a kind, handmade wreath.

Style Saturday: DIY Skinny Jeans

Eye Candy: PRPS Skinny Jeans from Italy, $617.

My eight-year old $7 flare jeans turned skinny!

 

DIY Skinny Jeans

Hello friends. It's Saturday and that means I get to have a little time to pull up my feet, relax and browse through some designer eye candies.  Today, I was into skinny jeans! 

For some of you who have been following this blog, you know by now that I'm huge on 'do-it-yourself' projects.  I've been a fan of designer Donwan Harrell for quite some time now, and the way he re-engineered the must-have jeans.  Harrell's PRPS (short for 'purpose') jeans are understandably pricey because each one is 'rare and premium' and designs run in limited editions.  A true wearable art!  That inspired me to re-design one of my old forgotten jeans, instead of breaking the bank.

I wish I took photos in the process, but it was a bit tough with two energetic toddlers ready to conquer the weekend fun.  It's actually pretty simple if you have a little experience in sewing.  There are a lot of videos you can watch out there on how to turn any pair of jeans into a skinny one.  The one I found the most helpful is by ModCloth.

It took me twenty-five minutes to finish mine, and very happy with how it turned out, especially the fit.

There you have it!  If ever you decide to alter your own jeans, share your photo.  Have fun! And thanks for stopping by again, and thanks ModCloth for the video.

Angry Birds Handmade Costume

We're celebrating!  Finally finished these birds and so pleased with the results.  Each piece was patterned, hand cut and machine sewn.  Our boys wanted Angry Birds for their halloween costumes this year.  And I thought, why not make it ourselves!

For those of you wondering what Angry Birds are.  It's the number one iPhone app/game in 60 countries.  Here's a quick trailer:

What are you going to be this Halloween? 

Falling for Autumm

How are you spending this warm fall weekend?

Chicago in 3D

'Filipinos in Chicago: Then and Now'

48 x 59 x 10 inches

Mixed Media 3D Display by Sherie Sloane

Two weeks ago, I shared with you the large sky painting I was working on.  Here's the completed art installation, currently displayed in Chicago Pedway, below Daley Center as part of the month-long Filipino American History Month and Chicago Artists Month this October.

This display is actually comprised of eight individual paintings layered and assembled together to create a three-dimensional effect.  It's a time capsule depicting the historical beginnings of Filipino migration to Chicago dating back to 1906 to present time.

Here are some photos from the Opening Reception of Pedway Art Exhibit:

Unveiling of 'Pinas Sining: Philippine Arts at a Glimpse' Art Exhibit.

Participating Artists and Guests of Honor during the Opening Reception

If you ever happen to be in Chicago, I invite you to stop by at the Daley Center to see the other artworks on display in the Pedway Window Art Boxes.  The exhibit will run until October 27, 2011.

Thanks again for stopping by and appreciating my art.  

Late Night Painting

Here's what I've been being busy about the past few days.  We've been sick and had to keep my mind off from it.  I painted late nights when all the kiddos were sound asleep.  We're getting better and that's a great thing.  Hubby took these photos when he got up one night and wondered where I was.   It wasn't hard for him to guess.

Stay tuned for updates on this project.  Thanks again for stopping by and appreciating my art.

America Rising

Today, we celebrate the 10th year anniversary of 9/11.  We remember those who lost their lives, their families, loved ones and the brave souls who unselfishly helped their fellow Americans.  I recently traveled to New York with my husband to visit Ground Zero and took these photos.

Ten years after that fateful day in September, America is standing stronger.  

9/11 Memorial Photo File

'Standing Tall' by Sherie Sloane
(Ten years later)

9/11 Memorial File Photo

'Freedom in Progress' by Sherie Sloane
(Ten years later)

9/11 Memorial File Photo

''Towers Rising' by Sherie Sloane
(Ten years later)

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke

Risin' against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue

And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself and what really matters?

-Excerpt from 'When The World Stopped Turning' by Alan Jackson

God bless America.