pretty parasols


When I was a little girl my grandmother would often walk me to or from school. Whenever it was sunny she always showed up with two parasols, one for her and a little one for me. I loved walking around with my parasol, I think it was a red plaid one, and even today I can't resist picking up a pretty one to add to my collection.


 
I still can't wait for the first rain so I can use one of my umbrellas. Many of which have accumulated in the trunk of my car. I wish more ladies used them here in sunny California like they seem to in the south. I think there is some strange unspoken rule that says umbrellas are just for the rain and only little old ladies use them on a sunny day. How silly is that?

I have been revisiting my parasol fascination again and I recently came across this really fun project at Dollar Store Crafts.

It looks super easy. I really wanted to make one first before posting it but I couldn't wait to share. I'm also still on a hunt for the right umbrella. So here is the project. Thank you to Disney from Ruffles & Stuff for creating it.



Materials:
  • boring old umbrella (on hand)
  • Dollar Store shower curtain liner $1
  • An old button
Cost Estimate: $1


1) First you want to measure all the way around the bottom of your umbrella, and double it for how much curtain liner you will need (plus extra for a flower, and top ruffles). For example, my umbrella was 120" around, and I cut four 2" sections that were the full length of the curtain, for a total of about 280 inches. No need to add seam allowance because it doesn't unravel! Yay!


2) Then sew a straight stitch (on your machine's longest stitch length) down the middle of all the strips, and pull the bottom thread to gently gather.


3) Hand stitch them onto your umbrella, wherever you like! So easy!!


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I also wanted to share another beautiful wedding with you. This one was posted on Green Wedding Shoes. What I love about this wedding isn't just the way they used all these beautiful parasols...



...but the theme for the wedding was also a vintage carnival! So if you need a little inspiration for your carnival booth take a look at what this couple did. I also added links to Le Mysterieux Carnival's homepage under CURIOSITIES. You'll find another amazing carnival wedding, artists and even an old  TV series about a mysterious dark carnival.

Hope you're having a great week. It's been crazy hot here, 110 this weekend and our air has been bad due to several wild fires. Good time to stay indoors and work on our blog party!






12 comments:

Angela Reeves said...

Beautiful painting! There is something really enchanting about parasols :-) Since moving to England, I have learned to never go anywhere without an umbrella. The moment you think...it won't rain...then you are sure to get wet, lol.

Tami Von Zalez said...

I like everything about today's post! From your artwork to the parasol idea and esp. the link to Le Mysterieux Carnival - I'm In!

thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

Queenie Believe said...

What a fun parasol project!!
You do see folks - females here in Arizona with parasols especially in our 110+ weather and intense sun.
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

Linda said...

Oh how cute...very cute project. I would love to see more. Umbrellas must be in the air...I bought a new one the other day. It is full of flowers.

Nice painting. It made me smile.. good work.

Lady of the Woods said...

great parasol idea. I love them too...especially the paper ones. xo

Art From The heart said...

What a lovely and creative project. Thank you for sharing.
Hugs

pchickki said...

What a lovely post. Tanks for sharing these wonderful pictures and for the umbrella tutorial.
Hugs

Laura said...

oh thank you so much for posting this? i love parasols and have been wanting my very own for some time now. this is a lovely idea!
blessings
~*~

Barbara said...

Oh, I just ADORE this idea! Parasols need to experience a comeback!

Anonymous said...

This is a fantastic idea! It is fun to walk in the rain with a pretty umbrella. I the cool rainy days that come with the fall.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I can't wait to see your completed parasol. I know it will be gorgeous!

Mimi Foxmorton said...

FABULOUS!
I adore a parasol!

Mimi
Collage Pirate