Stripes are great for clothes and home decor but you have to use them carefully because their optic effect and contrast are strong. That’s why the idea I bring you today is perfect, discreet but effective.

In this post I’ll show you how to make your own piping using striped fabric (or any other pattern) to give a special touch to a simple velvet cushions. Actually, I’m so glad with the results that I plan to use it later to decorate a fanny pack or a sport bag.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Already available this beautiful fabric suitcase in my Etsy shop. As my other projects, you can download the patterns and tutorial just at the moment of the purchase and start to make it.

You have also a million ways to combine the fabrics to change the look: more sophisticated, retro or childish; and give it different uses as a storage box, weekend luggage or, simply, as home decor.

Moreover it’s made by corrugated plastic (check this post if you don’t know what I’m talking about and to learn more about materials) so it’s very light and structured, also prefect for a everyday use.

Come and make your own! Share the pictures on social nets with hashtag #berzeuse or #berzeuseprojects. I would love to see the results!

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

If you’re a sewing lover and in fact you make your own clothes, it’s more than probably that you’ve wanted to make your own accessories and maybe, just in that moment, you have been wondering how. Technical aspects aside, in this post I’ll try to explain you all the knowledge I’ve been collecting as a crafter for years, making bags for me first and later to sell. All that I’ve been experimenting and discovering to help you growing your skills and stimulate your creativity.

FLEXIBLE REINFORCEMENTS: Sometimes when you make a bag, once finished, it doesn’t look as you imagined. When you put something inside it looses its shape and spoil the design. You can try to reinforce it then, just adding a double external fabric or with a stiffener between the external fabric and the lining with the materials I propose next.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Springtime is here and the sun invites to leave the heaviest clothes behind… This light and comfy crossbody bag is perfect for this season and even you’ll forget you’re wearing it! It’s also really easy to make so it will be ready in a moment.

The closure, with a small wooden ball, is simple so you won’t need to spend too much money or time looking for special materials. Come to make it with me!

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

I knew Andrey Remnev via Pinterest; I found one of his paintings by chance and since then he became to be one of my favourite contemporary artist.

It’s not only his characters and scenes are involved into a magic atmosphere, is also his aesthetic -shape, colors and patterns- what I love because I find it very up to day. Also the accessories, sometimes with a surrealist touch closer those that Elsa Schiaparelli made on the 30’s than those from the art of XVIII century where he’s getting inspiration.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Fringes again! This time in a necklace and with some variations. I’ve mixed suede and sinthetyc leather to play with shine and matt textures and I’ve painted it. It began like an experiment but I think it looks great at the end!

Especially in the bluish green large piece, the gold coat of paint looks like a part of the fabric itself. It also make a contrast and the necklace looks more layered than in fact it is.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Two weeks ago I wrote about how my children had discovered Magritte’s work at school (and I rediscovered again) and how many ideas resulted around it… Between all of his paintings I became fascinated by one of them called: The voice of blood (1947).

The tree-cabinet with a stately house illuminated on inside looks magic and whimsical and reminds another Magritte series wich were talking about light and darkness too: The empire of light.

I inmediately wanted to make a similar paper house with a candle inside (a electric one, of course) and the tree stump-cake idea came later.

You’ll find the link to download the template below.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

That’s the new project I’ve been working on and is already listed on the shop.

Like the others, it’s composed of real size patterns and a complete step by step tutorial guiding you to make your own bag.

It’s easy and just with some simple changes you can personalize it in a thousand ways. Cut the strap or make it double; embellish the cord with different tassels (as we saw in the past post); change the velvet for leather, suede or any different fabric…

Note as well that this is an instant download so you can start right now… a perfect weekend project!

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

At the end of this week you’ll find in my shop the new bag (PDF patterns + tutorial) I’m working on. At the moment I won’t tell much more except that it closes with a cord with tassels.

I’ve been playing with tassels and I’ve made them in many ways. For this project I’ve chosen the simplest though I’ll show you all the ideas in different posts later.

For now, here is a quick tutorial to make a tassel in the simplest way. You can use them to decorate a bag or suitcase, make earrings or simply as a key ring or to hang on a door handle.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

I was a child when I saw a Magritte’s painting for the first time. It was a big rock, with a casttle on top, floating in the sky over the sea. I don’t think I knew concepts as weight, lightness or space and couldn’t understand its metaphore, but even then, it catched my attention.

I understood the meaning of this painting later; opposites fighting against logical rules, far from accepted conventions.

Some days ago my children have met the work of some artists at school, Magritte included, and I’ve rediscovered through their eyes, how surrealism explains a reality where everything is possible. Just as children do.

So, yes, Magritte becomes a continuous inspiration for us. We’ve had lots of ideas and the very first to make is this apple.

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter