Art, Wardrobe Disarray and A Tutorial

Effortless dressing? I wish! I'm doing a photo shoot tomorrow with the local press to promote the St Patrick's Day vintage fair. I haven't a frickin' clue what to wear (but it must to be green) and the wardrobe is in complete chaos.

 I've been turned into more art, here's the original outfit. This beautiful piece is by my friend Valerie and arrived in the post this morning. I need to find a fabulous frame to do her justice.

I've made another patchwork shade today and took a few photos of the process if you fancy having a go yourself. It's dead easy and if I can do it, it must be.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Colourful, patterned fabric cut into a couple of sizes. I used a coaster & a video cassette case as a template.
2. Decorator's PVA (or similar, clear drying, multi-purpose glue), decanted into a jug and a brush.
3. A lampshade (free from dust with any trims removed), newspaper & some pegs.

1. Slap a generous amount of glue directly to the shade, a section at a time.
2. Apply the first patch at an angle, fold any excess fabric over the frame. Thoroughly cover the patch with glue.
3. Peg the folded over section of the patch into place.
4. Repeat the process, overlap each piece as you go. Make sure there's enough fabric to fold over the frame to ensure a neat finish.
5. Peg any patch which overhangs the base.
6. When shade is completely covered secure it to the lamp base (with some newspaper underneath to catch any drips of glue) and leave to dry for around 12 hours.

(Don't worry about it looking drab and dull , it'll be transformed once dry).

When the shade is completely dry remove the pegs and trim any excess fabric from the inside. A funky pom-pom trim isn't essential but makes all the difference.

Simple!

Linking to Lakota's Ta-Dah Tuesday.

Kimono given to Jon by a fan during a tour of Japan in 1990

Right then, back to the task in hand.

See you soon.

PS The internet connection is up and running & super fast! Hooray for technology.