Designer Crafts Connection: Let's Party

Hi Crafters!

Summer is coming and, with it, a lot of outdoor parties!  Generally, we have sunshine and warm weather that make the patio an inviting place.  We'll see about this year as May was one of our coldest.  Here's hoping June gives us a good start to summer. 

This month, I'm featuring projects that were on my blog in the last few years that suit outdoor decorating for a summer party.  The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays and these designs are perfect for decorations for the barbecue.  To start off, here's a Denim Wreath.  You can find the tutorial for the process of making the wreath at the link.

Denim Wreath

I love to recycle worn denim jeans to make fun, country-style designs.  Here's another one: a Denim Wall Pocket.  Fill this pocket with some Queen Anne's Lace or some dried flowers and hang it on the fence or gate.

Denim Wall Pocket

And, here's a Denim Flower to wear as a pin or add to a jar, napkin ring, a wreath, banner - anywhere and everywhere!

I hope you'll try these designs for decorating your next barbecue.  Add a few hay bales, more bandanas and some mason jars for quick and easy country decorating!

Now, hop around the Designer Crafts Connection blogs with the big, blue button over in my sidebar.  You'll find lots of cute ideas for your next party!  You can also go to the Designer Crafts Connection blog where you can find the links to all the blogs.

Whatever your party plans, have a great time creating your own decorations and celebrating with family and friends!

Update:  Since I love to create with denim and have more designs with it coming up in the future, I created a Pinterest board exclusively for these designs here. 

Denim Wall Pocket

Hi Crafters!
Welcome to another round in the Craft Designer Blog Connection.  This month we are showcasing patriotic designs.  My Denim Wall Pocket is a great design for the Fourth of July or any patriotic celebration.  It's easy to make and uses recyclable materials. 

First, cut a pocket from an old pair of denim jeans.  Leave about 1/2-inch all around the pocket.  With a sharp pair of scissors poke and cut holes in the pocket if it doesn't have them.  Use the point of the scissors to ravel the holes and the edges around the pocket.

Next, cut an 18-inch or longer piece of steel wire.  I bought mine at the hardware store.  It comes with an oily coating that you'll want to clean off with sandpaper and a damp paper towel before you work with it.  After you clean it, make a few curls and wraps in it.  Dab on some white acrylic paint.  Poke a hole in each corner of the pocket and insert the wire ends.  Curl the ends up with pliers to hold it in place.

Stamp a few stars on the pocket in white paint.  I used a sponge star.  Tie a piece of a handkerchief on the wire and add a raffia bow.

Easy, right!  Of course, you can add more embellishing if you like.  I think some spatter painting across the pocket would look nice.  And, you can fill it with just about any decoration.  I'm going to put a handful of daisies and a small flag in mine.

Happy crafting!