I can't sew.  If you know me at all – you know this to be true!  But I truly admire those who can.  My dear friend Laura can sew.  And there is no way she is going to teach me how.  She values our friendship too much.  LOL!

So I create with cloth vicariously through shows like Project Runway.  The things those designers can do with recycled materials and trashbags truly amazes me.

So today when I saw a pretty blouse that was a little bit trash decorated, but had all this gorgeous detail to it – I knew that finally I had the skills for some clothing alteration.

Here is the blouse.

Channeling my Tim Gunn, I've already removed the really icky silver chain link that was sewn in spots to the center of the 'necklace' detailed area.  It looked tacky and cheap – and also restricted the wearer to silver jewelry, which honestly with the cream tones of this blouse I would have chosen a white gold instead.  Sorry, Calvin Klein.  Now don't think for a minute that I shopped anywhere other than TJMaxx for this blouse.  LOL.  I tend to wear things till they're dead, and also drag and spray them with ink.  Not spending serious money on something that needs to be 'ready to ink'.

Once the ugly silver chain link was removed, I took a closer look at the knotted and draped bits.

  
While connected at the shoulder seams, it really lays on the blouse like a piece of jewelry.  How about adding some sparkle?  So I painted the larger bits and the knotted sides with some Chandelier Glimmer Glam! 

  
Neil took a look at it on the hanger and thought that there were beads hanging on it.  It has a pretty, subtle sparkle to it and dried lightening fast.

If you want to see it in person, I will be at the Tattered Angels booth at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington, Texas tomorrow afternoon from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, helping James Hicks with Make N Takes and demonstrations.

And if you want to use some in class, you have some options too.   I am teaching some classes in the region throughout the weekend with Copic Markers, Glimmer Mist, Glimmer Glam and Glimmer Glaze at the following locations:

• Scrappers Boutique (N. Richland Hills) *SOLD OUT*
• The Crafty Scrapper (Waxahachie) *SOLD OUT*
• Cat's Creations (Mineral Wells) *a few seats remain!*

Now just pray that my rental car isn't black with a black leather interior, because I hear it is going to be HOT in Texas this weekend!!

See ya'll soon!