If I took the time to do the math and figure out just how many hours, days, months and even years I have been seated, sewing at my sewing machine, that number would probably blow me away. The more shocking thing is that I've allowed all that time to pass with the machine staring back at me in its original off-white metal box condition. Not any more! OMG ... look what I did yesterday!
I got up early in the morning, anxious to get the daily stuff out of the way, and then treated myself to a day of crafting for crafting's sake. I have had this idea to embellish my sewing machine for quite some time and at one time even took the machine to a sewing machine shop to see if they could take the "shell" off so I could paint it. The man at the shop was crabby and not helpful at all and looked at me like I was crazy.
If you're interested in embellishing your machine, here's how:
Grab your sewing machine and put some paper down to protect your work surface. This is the machine I have been using for almost 30 years. I love my Pfaff ... primarily because of the built-in walking foot and its simple and easy to use.
Grab your Mod Podge and a variety of ephemera that speaks to you. I grabbed some old dictionary and encyclopedia pages, sheet music with Korean writing on it, some old photos of myself and my sisters and ledger paper from the mid 1800s. Funny thing ... I later realized that the encyclopedia pages were all about Japan ... one of my favorite countries to visit.
Slather a generous coat of Mod Podge onto the sewing machine, a small area at a time, and apply torn pieces of paper, over-lapping to cover all of the machine. Fussy cut/tear certain images or words you want to be seem and try to avoid covering them up too much. Note: The top portion of this machine comes off for oiling purposes and even though I decoupaged over that line, when everything is dry, I'll use a craft knife to cut along that line. Also, leave all the screws visible.
Next add gesso with a dry brush, just to tone it all down a bit.
Next, spray walnut ink on a rag and lightly rub it all over the machine. Using the eraser of a pencil and acrylic paints, add brown circles here and there.
Next, sand down the corner and the edges to give it a well-used look.
I did leave the name of the machine and all the important numbers visible, just in case.
And finally to seal all my handy work, a generous coat of Mod Podge over everything.
How much more fun will the next 30 years be to sit in front of this sewing machine while crafting, quilting, sewing and free motion stitching?
I love what you've done to your sewing machine!
Posted by: Joanne Thieme Huffman | December 30, 2010 at 12:37 PM
absolutely excellent transformation! ;)
Posted by: donna!ee | December 30, 2010 at 04:20 PM
Sew clever of you; I love your make over. Many memories have been stitched and bonded, what a great tribute!
Posted by: Ellen | December 30, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Cynthia you are so creative...du you knew that part. But to think to Modge Pog your sewing machine is amazing to me. It is so darn cute..I can't wait to see it in person. Love to you and your family during the holiday season and Happy Blogging in 2011. Keep your ideas a comin!!!
Posted by: Lee Ann | December 31, 2010 at 03:42 AM
When you told me about you decoupaged your sewing machine I thought that this is a crazy idea. Now that I saw the sewing machine it is so cute. How fun it would be to sew on this machine. Love it.
Posted by: Anna | January 02, 2011 at 06:57 PM
Me like it!
I didn't know you had a blog... it's on my favorites now :)
Posted by: Danita | January 03, 2011 at 05:32 PM
So so cute Cynthia...I love the idea
Posted by: Jen | January 04, 2011 at 08:50 PM
This is fabulous! I just love it so.
Posted by: Mod Podge Amy | January 16, 2011 at 02:50 PM
I wish I had my old typewriter, so that I could mod podge it also!
Posted by: Bonnie NJ | January 18, 2011 at 07:35 AM
This is so very cool! I love that you added the ink and distressing!
Posted by: Maggi | January 18, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Did you take the machine apart at all?
Posted by: Beckie | January 18, 2011 at 12:36 PM
This turned out wonderfully! Great job! I'm totally impressed :) I just know if I tried something like this I'd drip mod podge into all the workings of the machine - I've never been a careful podger!
Posted by: Jenny B | January 18, 2011 at 01:30 PM
How wonderful!! And when you leave it out, it's not because your lazy, it's because it's art!! I gotta do this!!
Posted by: Scatter | January 18, 2011 at 05:47 PM
OK, this is GORGEOUS! I have thought of decorating my machine, but I've been afraid that the mod-podge would get into the inner parts of the machine and break it. I've got a modern, pretty machine, but when I get bored with it, I'll definitely embellish it. Thanks for giving me the courage!
Posted by: Crafty Mom | January 21, 2011 at 11:40 AM
You are a woman after my own heart!! I painted the top of my old laptop. I just got a new one....I know what I'm going to do now!! I plan on taking your free motion class. I just found out about it
Posted by: laurie | May 12, 2011 at 09:57 AM
PARABENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ideia maravilhosa!
acho que vou tentar fazer!
kharin-federiccadu
porto alegre-rs-Brasil
Posted by: kharinfuchs | August 19, 2011 at 06:00 AM