Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Steampunk Costume, Victorian & Mod Time Altered

This unique costume is made from upcycled articles of clothing, 
each altered and embellished in their own way.  

The suit jacket and skirt have been washed, mended, and altered.  The suit has been embellished with a vintage brass button and has a silver key attached to one pocket.
The skirt is made on the diagonal with a gilded pocket that appears as a sachet.  Time has been merciful to these pieces as each is in new condition.

 High leather boots are going to look great with this one!

The neck choker is made of a vintage kerchief, ribbon, and embellished with aged chain, and a cameo medallion.  The choker tied behind the neck, creating a time-warped image of the victorian cravat.  Here the stylish cravat and the lady's choker have morphed into one.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

A Rainy Day Project & Boho Shirt


  Today, it rained all day, and it was a seemingly long day.  I opened the windows and doors to let the breeze in and worked on some editing, and did a bit of sewing and crafting as well.
Yet, since I did not finish my current project, I will share my most  recent addition to Etsy. 
This time a super cute Boho shirt made from vintage curtains! 


When I saw these curtains, they seemed to have never have been used.  Instantly, I saw a boho 70's style top, accessorized with wood or a coronet.   So, eventually, I managed to get around to making it.  And now it is listed on Etsy! See More Pictures of this on Etsy

Glad to upcycle! 

Friday, September 25, 2015

The Scottish Highland Renaissance Costume


Introducing, The Bonnie Highland Lass 

~ The Professional Images ~


Well, I am sure I need not explain how delighted I am with these photos!  My sister did an amazing job, she truly is a talented photographer.  I love how the light dances on the taffeta.  As you can see, the skirt is grey taffeta, the blouse is a ivory cotton, with white tassels at the neckline. A black faux leather and elastic girdle encircles the waist.  I added a grey plaid sash to complete the look, however, if you are ordering this costume, you can request your tartan.  Contact me first to ensure your tartan is available.  Order on Etsy

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Today's project, IKEA Slipcover Makeover, and Next on the agenda


Today's project was to make a chair slipcover for a chair from Ikea that is no longer stocked.  
I received the old tattered slip cover, and was commissioned to remake it in a lovely pinstriped charcoal. (see close up below).  It was a enjoyable one, but a challenge, as I did not have the chair!  First, I took the old slipcover apart, numbered each piece, then used each piece as a pattern. I then numbered the underside of the fabric with chalk and piece it all together!

This is the picture sent by my customer, who was very satisfied.  Although, my perfectionist side is telling me that the wrinkles in the arms should be corrected. But, I suppose it is a slip cover, yes?

And what is next on the agenda for Ash Tree Meadow Designs?  Well, we have a series of costumes to show you - *drum roll* - the professional photos!  Yay!  

As for me, I will be crafting up a special gift basket for our giveaway winner, Lisa Bennett.
Who, when presented with a choice of gift basket, chose our Ash Tree Meadow Design Accessory Basket - and I am so excited!  Pictures, of course, to follow!

 

This is a close up of the new slipcover material

And this is the old, cut and marked :)



And the winner is!

Thank you to all of you who participated in our shop giveaway.  I truly appreciate all the likes and positive comments, along with the general goodwill.  Thank you also to all my wonderful customers, with out whom, I would be lost among mounds of inventory! 

Until next time! 


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Day 40 of the 40 Day Design Challenge: Medieval Princess and the Grand Finale

And our very last design in this challenge is our Medieval Princess.  But don't worry, we will be making more! Just not posting daily, haha, that was a ton of work!
I hope you have all enjoyed our designs and our featured guests!

This dress is styled after the storybook princess.
It comes with a tall pointed princess hat, made by my sis-in-law, Isabel. 


Today is the last day to enter our Giveaway! The Draw closes at 12:00 p.m. midnight!

Thank you for supporting us during this challenge!




Friday, September 18, 2015

Day 39 of the 40 Day Design Challenge! Jane Austen Costume and Handmade Children's toys


Well, tomorrow the draw closes!  
Here is our design for today, a simple regency costume. 

This costume is an up-cycle.  We upcycle by using a basic dress and then altering it for a different look.  This is the reason many of our costumes are very inexpensive.  For this one, I chose a simple blue flowered dress from the 90's, I pick these up at second hand stores.  Naturally, first, it is washed and reviewed for any marks or damages.  Then I added lace, a ribbon rose, and sewed on a silver and pearl broach.  I then made a lace shawl which I cut from lace curtain. This is our way to help the ecosystem and provide affordable costumes.  Naturally, not all of our creations are upcyclced, these days fewer than some; however, we love it when we can manage it!





Featured
And now introducing The Willi Fustus Store


The Willi Fustus Store makes doll food for American Girl sized dolls! 
Their items are all hand made, and they are one of the first shops on Etsy to make this kind of toy food.  Stop by this Etsy store to see the super cool items they make. 
There are only a few items in stock, however, more are coming sometime this month!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWilliFustusStore