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Decorating Sewlutions Preview

admin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:14 +0000

Here is a brief promo video on my book Decorating Sewlutions. It explains that only 3 basic and super easy sewing techniques that I explain to you in great detail are all you need to make over 100 projects for your home. And, a lot of decorating tips are sprinkled through the book. Check it out!

Quick Clean Up

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:00:52 +0000

I am fascinated by all the things you can do with a discarded dryer sheet. But one that I find particularly handy is to use a sheet to clean blinds. The dryer sheet seems to repel dust that collects in all those little slats. It’s much easier than washing the blinds in the bathtub (that’s how I was told to clean them).

Office Depot

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 09:00:58 +0000

Create an inexpensive, yet attractive desk for our home office by using two, 2-drawer filing cabinets and a hollow door as your desk surface. Place the filing cabinets at both ends of the door for the legs and also instant storage. Use a hole saw to cut a hole in the door in which to insert all your cords from your computer, etc. Paint the filing cabinets and door a fun color that you enjoy.

Shelved!

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:00:59 +0000

Transform an otherwise dull bookshelf into one of the most colorful pieces of furniture in our home. Simply paint the inside of each compartment a different color. To create cohesiveness, select colors of the same value and paint any exposed front edges with one color.

Care and Feeding of Bobbins

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:00:38 +0000

I have been working with the great people at Sew4Home and they just featured some of my favorite tips excerpted from my book Decorating Sewlutions. Check it out here! The photo to the left is a sneak preview of what you will find!

Donna Babylon is a DIY decorating and sewing guru. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com

Care tips for decorative trim

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:00:16 +0000

Trims that are handled constantly, such as fringe on the leading edge of a curtain or on a pillow, can become tangled. These tips will help you make trims more manageable.

Use a hand steamer or steam iron to steam fringe ends to remove kinks. Use a kitchen mitt on your hand as a portable “ironing board” when pressing already-hung curtains.
Unruly tassels or fringes can be brushed softly with a hairbrush to untangle and fluff them. Select a brush with plastic bristles that are spaced 1/4 inch apart and have little balls on the tips. Uneven fringe ends can be trimmed with scissors. (However, don’t cut loops or twisted bullion fringes. They will just unwind!).

This tip excerpted from More Splash Than Cash Window Treatment by Donna Babylon.

Color Clues

admin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:56 +0000

If you are having a hard time selecting a color scheme, turn to your closet. What colors do you like to wear? If you like wearing certain colors, you will certainly enjoy living with those same colors.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book is Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Tips To Make Your Sewing Projects Go Smoothly

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:00:05 +0000

To make your sewing projects go smoothly, here are a few tips to allow you to work more efficiently.

Set up a permanent work area for the duration of your project. You’ll lose time and momentum if you have to break down your work area after you finish each day.
Work on as large a surface as possible. If you’re using a dining room table, extend the table to its maximum size. If all else fails, move away all the furniture and use the floor.
Make sure you have a good light source in your work area.
Keep all of your tools orderly and within reach.
When sewing large volumes of fabric, keep the weight of the fabric from pulling on the needle by positioning a chair in front of and behind the sewing machine to “catch” the fabric as you sew.
Wind three bobbins before you start a large project; you will always have a spare at your fingertips.
Start each project with a new needle; needles become dull through use.
Press by lifting the iron up and down. “Sweeping” the iron back and forth stretches the bias edges and seams.
Always work with clean hands during the construction process. Avoid eating and drinking in your work area because spills and stains can be the downfall of any sewing project.

Donna Babylon is a DIY and sewing guru. Her latest book, Decorating Sewlutions: Learn to Sew as You Decorate Your Home is now available at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Paint: Choose The Right Stuff

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:05:19 +0000

To select the proper paint finish, you first need to know the difference between them.

Flat finishes have no shine, which makes them perfect for hiding minor surface imperfections.
Eggshell or velvet finishes work in just about any room. They are easier to clean than flat finishes and provide a soft glow that warms up the room.
Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and are good for highlighting architectural details such as trim and moldings. They work well in kitchens and baths.
Gloss finishes are shiny and scrubs easily. This finish is the perfect choice for doors and trims.

Donna Babylon’s More Splash Than Cash decorating concept is designed to help everyone have a beautiful home. More Splash Than Cash doesn’t mean cheap. It means that the time and cash you invest–whatever the amount–are well spent and the results will be enjoyed for many years. Learn more at www.MoreSplashThanCash.com.

Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the Music!

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:00:19 +0000

Putting together a book is a long, loving process. For example, it took me two years from start to finish to publish my book, Decorating Sewlutions. That’s because when you self-publish, you do everything! And, I mean everything. Many times I (think) I would have gladly packed up the manuscript and sent it off to another publisher to complete. But then again, I have done that and didn’t much enjoy the process. I guess I am too much of a control freak.

Anyway, after months of blood, sweat, and yeah, don’t forget the tears, the book was sent to the printer.

Then the hard part starts. You have to start marketing and selling the book (’cause that’s how I make a living). The fun part is over. Now we really have to roll up the sleeves.

: My friend, Julie snapped this photo of my book in her local JoAnns store.

So, it’s always nice to be noticed. My friend Judi saw my book in her local Joann Fabrics store. She was so excited for me that she snapped a photo and sent it to me. There it was—smack dab on the shelf.

So glad I didn’t give up.