Oilcloth Make-up Tray + A GIVEAWAY!

For the two+ years since we moved into this house, I have kept my make-up on the bathroom counter in the travel bag that I got at TJMaxx the week I first moved to Atlanta from college, almost (coughcough) sixteen years ago.

sew a makeup tray from laminated cotton

The bathroom–and this is the master bath, now, I don’t want to mislead you and make you think this is some fancy extra bath that we don’t use very often–is a horror.  Just: a horror.  And this is after we took down the poofy valance on the window and the fluffy curtain on the bathtub that turned it into some kind of Jackie Collins boudoir action.

ancient bath in need of makeover

I can’t even talk about how hard it was to brighten these photos enough to make them not look all yellowy.  And that wallpaper!  It looks like a….very specific something that once you see it, you cannot un-see.  Point being: having a make-up bag sitting on the counter didn’t exactly damage the overall effect of the decor, y’know?

laminated cotton make up tray 80s bathroom

But that doesn’t mean we give up altogether–as I learned in my studio, you never know what tiny change might inspire you to make a lot MORE changes, and lead to a complete overhaul.

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Enter: At Home With Modern June.  This is Kelly McCants’ new book, the follow up to her Sewing with Oilcloth, and it has some really sweet home sewing projects.  The one that made me think, “You know, I should just get on that already!” was the make-up tray, which took a whopping 35 minutes to sew up.  Truly: it took longer to take the photos of this thing than it did to actually make it.

At Home With Modern June is designed to walk you through constructing basic home sewing projects–like curtains, cushions, stool covers, duvets, tablecloths and floor covers.  The photos are super bright and cheerful, and the book is laid out in a way that makes it easy and inspiring to tackle any of the projects with just foundational sewing skills.

laminated cotton makeup tray

The make-up tray is super practical, super cute, and something I didn’t know I desperately needed until I saw the photo in Kelly’s book.  The instructions were super clear and easy to follow, and the whole project went together like a snap.  Kelly really takes the time in the book to give you tips and insider techniques to make it quick and simple to sew with laminated cottons and oilcloth, and to get great-looking results that are really unique and professional.

top down | make up tray | oilcloth

Mine is not actually oilcloth, I have to admit–I used a scrap of laminated cotton I had left in my stash after making lunch bags for the kids a few years ago.  But you can totally get oilcloth direct from Kelly’s shop.  I also used a cotton duck for the interior, and rather than bias tape, I finished the edges with a twill tape I had in the drawer–I know, I’m as shocked as you are, because when have I ever given up the chance to sew with bias tape?  But the twill was such a nice texture and the color worked really well with the laminate.  And, coincidentally, with the seashell sinks, and since we won’t gut and destroy renovate this bath for a couple years yet, I suppose that’s a good thing.

Check out some of the other super cute projects she’s got packed in here:

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You can find signed copies of At Home With Modern June on Kelly’s site, Modern June:

logo

Modern June just launched in its current format, in addition to Kelly’s two Etsy shops. Now you can shop for both finished goods and fabric at the same time! How cute is this oilcloth gardening apron??
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You can follow Kelly’s blog at Oilcloth Addict, where she shares oilcloth projects and tips and techniques–like how to iron oilcloth and how to cover a summer settee.

seat cushion yellow

GIVEAWAY!!  Kelly has graciously agreed to offer up one copy of the book and a small bundle of chalk cloth to Whipstitch readers, enough to make two of the no-sew chalk cloth placemats that are featured in the book. To enter, just leave a comment here!  Giveaway is open until Thursday, April 17th at midnight Eastern time.

In the meantime, see the rest of the blog tour dates for At Home with Modern June!

Monday, April 7th: Stash Books

Tuesday, April 8th: Pretty Prudent

Wednesday, April 9th: Craft Gossip

Thursday, April 10th: Apronista

Friday, April 11th: Whipstitch

Saturday, April 12th: Craftypod

Sunday, April 13th: Sew Mama Sew

Monday, April 14th: Grow. Make. Eat.

Tuesday, April 15th: The Painted Home

Wednesday, April 16th: Finding Home 

Thursday, April 17th: Modern June, the Oilcloth Addict

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  • Samina
    April 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    That book is just in time! I’ve needed to recover our bar stool for ages & I’ve been struggling to figure out what to use for them. I’m going to put this book in my shopping cart just in case I don’t win it.

  • Show and Tell Meg
    April 11, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    This is so cute! What a great idea for a book 🙂

  • Carrie P.
    April 11, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Your little makeup basket is a great idea. I really like the fabric. thanks for a chance to win the book.

  • Anita
    April 11, 2014 at 2:24 pm

    This looks like a great book. I’d like to win a copy, thank you for the chance.

  • melissa
    April 11, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    Thank you for sharing. I’m really interested in this book.

  • Kathie
    April 11, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Thanks for introducing me to Kelly. Definitely going to explore her store and blog.

  • Brooke
    April 11, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Since you mentioned the wallpaper I had to check it out. And yep, totally saw it. Aside from that, love the makeup tray. And commiserating with you as we are living in a not-yet, probably never-going-to-be finished remodeling house.

  • Delaine
    April 11, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    This looks like a really awesome book. Thanks!

  • Emily
    April 11, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    I love Kelly and all things Modern June!!!

  • Rachelle - Warming Crafts
    April 11, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    That looks like a really interesting book

  • Lee
    April 11, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    I love your try – such pretty material! thanks!

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      It’s an older Heather Bailey print–I’m so glad I get to see it every day now! 🙂

  • Veronica
    April 11, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    Ooh, I’ve been wanting to try sewing with oil cloth. What a great giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.

  • KimW
    April 11, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    So many fun things to sew with oilcloth! And I love all of the great colors!

  • Linda Webster
    April 11, 2014 at 6:18 pm

    So many great projects in Kelly’s book. Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Linda F.
    April 11, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance!

  • Karen Chatters
    April 11, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    I’d love this!

  • Bridget
    April 11, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    Would so love to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity!

  • Joan H.
    April 11, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    I have a couple projects I want to tackle soon. This book would be a great help.

  • Marchelle
    April 11, 2014 at 10:54 pm

    I have some oilcloth I’ve been wanting to make into a lunch bag, thanks for introducing me to Kelly’s blog!

    Great giveaway count me in!

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      You’ll love it, she does such great stuff!

  • Tamie
    April 11, 2014 at 11:55 pm

    Love your little makeup tray.

  • Mara
    April 12, 2014 at 1:42 am

    Love your new make-up tray and would love this book, I know of several areas in my home that need a little “work”.

  • Karen
    April 12, 2014 at 2:56 am

    This book looks like it could help me make my house a little cuter.

  • MelodyJ
    April 12, 2014 at 3:46 am

    Looks like a fun book.

  • Becky
    April 12, 2014 at 7:37 am

    I’d love to make the gardening belt. All those pockets look really handy!

  • Sarah
    April 12, 2014 at 8:35 am

    I am decorating our whole house at the moment as we have just moved, so this book would be very useful to me! Thanks for the giveaway! sarah@forrussia.org

  • Kim
    April 12, 2014 at 9:08 am

    I’m new to the world of sewing and my skills are definitely foundational, so I’d love a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Dita
    April 12, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    I love the tray! Haha yeah I currently put my makeup in a travel bag!

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:44 pm

      Ha! It makes me feel very grown-up and settled that it’s not in the travel bag any longer. 🙂

  • Cindy G.
    April 12, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    That make-up tray is so cute! I don’t have any counter space around my sink, but I might be able to sort out the area under the sink. And, I have plans to make an oil-cloth backed picnic blanket, so I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for some of the great oil-cloth prints featured above!

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:43 pm

      I really should make a companion one for under the sink that’s a bit taller, to hold hair accessories and appliances. And the oilcloth means it won’t get wet or soggy, too!

  • Gill
    April 12, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    This looks a great book – count me in please!

  • Courtney
    April 12, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    Just discovered Modern June at the Country Living fair in Rhinebeck last year. Hope to see them there again in 2014! Fantastic stuff!

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:43 pm

      Oooh, me, too! Love me some Country Living!!

  • Kathy Davis
    April 12, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    Didn’t know there was such a thing as chalk cloth.

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      It’s such great stuff, and Kelly has made the cutest projects with it! I think she has some in her shop, too!

  • Jess Z
    April 13, 2014 at 2:49 am

    What a great book!!! Thank you for sharing snippets. Must put this on my wishlist. 🙂

  • Gina S.
    April 13, 2014 at 6:38 am

    Would love to make the cushions for my outside bench.

  • Jowyn Jenson
    April 13, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    OMG! Your wallpaper – yes I can see ‘it’ ! I also see a face wearing glasses? Not sure what that means… Thanks for the chance to win.

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      Hee! It probably means you are vastly more sophisticated than I. 🙂

  • Beth Miller
    April 13, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    Oil cloth has certainly advanced since the days of checkered picnic table cloths. Modern June makes great use of these fun fabrics!

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:42 pm

      And the laminated cottons come in some of your favorite brand-new designer prints! It’s super easy to work with when you use Kelly’s tips, too.

  • Karrie Smith
    April 13, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    This book looks so awesome! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

  • ten b
    April 13, 2014 at 11:58 pm

    awesome book. thanks for the giveaway. and sharing the makeup tray – it looks like just the thing my tween girl needs – mainly so that I don’t go crazy with her makeup and hair things all over our shared bathroom counter.

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Haha! I’m just so delighted at how easy it makes finding things while also making me look more organized and the counter easier to clean. 🙂

  • Cindy Dahlgren
    April 14, 2014 at 12:34 am

    I really could use this book. My house needs a lot of help!

  • Kate
    April 14, 2014 at 9:47 am

    I would love to win this book!

  • Carmen N
    April 14, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    I love your make-up tray! I need one of those to help corral my jewelry.

    • Deborah
      April 14, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      I can’t even believe how much I love using it. So simple and clean, and yet everything’s organized!! It’s dreamy–and for jewelry! What a great idea!

  • Jean C.
    April 14, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Looks like a great book! Please enter my name into the drawing. So bright and colorful… just what we need!

  • Evelyn
    April 14, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    Those stool covers are cute. I want to make some for sure.

  • colleen
    April 14, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    Wiuld love this!

  • Heather C
    April 14, 2014 at 11:47 pm

    I love New projects to do!

  • Helen
    April 15, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Love the make-up tray – how clever!

  • Rebecca T
    April 15, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    Thanks for the chance to win. I love your makeup tray! I’m thinking I may need to whip up a few myself!

  • Jessibeth Vicenty
    April 15, 2014 at 3:09 pm

    Love the basket! Always love to have more book for my Sewing Library 🙂

  • Lisa McGriff
    April 15, 2014 at 5:02 pm

    This book looks like it would be a great one to have!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Cherie
    April 15, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    The projects in the book look super cute!

  • Mita
    April 16, 2014 at 10:51 am

    This book looks great! thanks for the opportunity!

  • Kay Eyles
    April 17, 2014 at 3:23 am

    This looks fantastic. I have never worked with these eking f fabrics and would love to have a try. Thanks for a fun giveaway. x

  • Jess
    April 17, 2014 at 9:26 am

    This looks lovely!

  • Jeanne
    April 17, 2014 at 10:09 am

    This book is amazing with all that it has to offer. A definite must have for the DIY and adventurous soul. thanks

  • Scalloped Oilcloth Shelf Liner Tutorial + At Home with Modern June Giveaway | Sew Mama Sew |
    April 23, 2014 at 7:49 am

    […] 7: Stash Books April 9: Craft Gossip April 10: Apronist + Pretty Prudent April 11: Whipstitch April 12: Craftypod April 14: Grow. Make. Eat. April 15: The Painted Home April 16: Finding […]