I made a quick little set of embellished kitchen curtains when we lived in LA a couple of years ago — two floral-print tea towels with buttons sewn to the center of each flower. It’s a fun, easy project, but today I came up with an even simpler version for the other set of windows in our kitchen… so the button-flowers can live over the sink while these new ones hang out at the end of the room, replacing a heavy beige home-dec fabric set that came with the house that really wasn’t us at all. It’s just a few pieces of fabric switched out, but it feels like a whole new room — light, bright and open. I’m so happy with them!

I found these Oregon state map tea towels at New Seasons here in Portland and got the idea to embellish a couple of my favorite places on them, like my gocco-quilt square project last year. Between ironing, stitching on little ornaments, and adding clip-on cafe curtain rings (found at Fred Meyer for $1.99), this was a 45-minute project at most. I started by choosing a few buttons, sparkles, and charms I like:

I picked the blue star for Portland and the amber-colored sparkle for my favorite place to visit, Mt. Hood (west slope).

Then I added a few fun bits to the Oregon state seal at the top of the design, too.

I did each of the four panels the same way and I want to add some more embellishments in other places I like when I have more time… but for now I just wanted the old ones gone and the new ones up, so a few twists of a screwdriver later, success!

I’m a lover of maps, but any fun, vibrant pattern would do nicely. Add any types of embellishment you like — besides the buttons, sparkles and charms I picked, rick-rack, beads, lace, or ribbon stripes could be fun. Or just clip the towels up as-is and call it good!

Speaking of maps, I gocco-printed two rounds of cards — silver Oregons and red USAs — for the Obama postcard party tomorrow, and Pearl permitting, I’m hoping to print two more in new colorways tonight. Thanks to Sarah of The Obama Craft Project for writing up the party today, and snapping this photo!

If you’re in Portland and have time to swing by Tandem and write a few cards, that would be great! We’ll be there from 11-2. I’ll be the one with the dark-haired baby girl, the Gocco printer and the frequently refilled cup of coffee. Hope to see you!