BUILDING A JEWELRY DISPLAY SCREEN & SEWING A CANVAS CARRYING BAG FOR ELIZABETH'S CRAFT SHOWS & TUTORIAL

BUILDING A JEWELRY DISPLAY SCREEN & SEWING A CANVAS CARRYING BAG FOR ELIZABETH'S CRAFT SHOWS & TUTORIAL

Elizabeth loves to make jewelry.  She goes to different craft shows, like Southtown,
where artists display their art and crafts for sale.

She mentioned she was working on her jewelry displays and needed a bigger table, etc.  So, for Christmas, I surprised her with a larger display and canvas bag just the right size to carry it.

For strength and to be able to add more nail hangers on the frame, I made it out of 1"x2" trim pieces.  I made two frames and nailed the chicken wire between the two frames. 

 Lightly sanded all of the edges and corners for a softer, more rounded look.

I added a handle on top for easier carrying.  Then, I spray painted it black.  I suggested she use Christmas ornament hooks to hang her jewelry.  She'll figure that out.

After the frame was finished, I knew the measurements for her canvas carrying bag. 

 I always have lots of canvas cloth on hand.  Before I measured and cut the fabric, I washed and dried to "size" it. That way, she can wash it in the future without it shrinking.  

Then, I sewed the bag.  Made french seams to prevent fraying. 

I wanted her name to be in my handwriting.  So, I wrote her name on a piece of paper.  Used graphite paper to trace it onto her canvas bag.  Then, I used black craft paint to paint it.  Used textile medium to thin the paint a little and to make sure it soaked into the fabric.

Put the bag in the dryer, wrong side out, for about 10 minutes to "set" the paint.

I want to be a carpenter!

I have tools and saws and everything I really need.  But, when I build something it never turns out perfectly like a real carpenter's work.  Once I paint, it covers up a lot of my imperfections.  Even when things are not perfect, I think of  Ralph Waldo Emerson's

"The only gift is a portion of thyself"

So, that makes me feel better.

Elizabeth was surprised, happy and thrilled with her gift.

Me, too!

After Christmas sales, she's a little low on merchandise, but here is link to her ETSY SHOP:

HEAVENLY AURAS