sewing tutorial | KIDS | crafts | handmade gifts | bread bags | fort kits | diy hang tags | saltwater-kids Boys, boys, boys. The silly things they say and do keep me laughing all the time. In fact, as I was working on this post my three year-old came blasting by, one arm outstretched, clutching his toothbrush, shouting (in a deep manly voice) "Oh, Mr. Plaque I am coming to get you!" Dental Superheros make my day! My favorite part of making this tutorial, by far, was the photo shoot. I am so excited to share this project with you because it is as fun as my two silly boys. The design of the RETRO DUFFEL is based on the original Duffel Bag - the manliest of all the bags in the luggage family. This is a miniature version of the typical duffel bag, perfect for an overnight stay at Grandma's, hauling gear to the big game, or for storing my all-time favorite gift - the FORT KIT! OK, lets get started! Materials: *if you have trouble finding a 16" zipper, a larger size will work fine. You will find the how-to for the handles HERE: Cut: 26” X 16 ½” - body (2) 8 ½” circle - end (2) 16 ½” X 5” - zipper lining
little guiding stars Since the new year has started I’ve been trying to think of ways to be more kind to my self. Especially when that nasty gremlins try to creep in and stump me. I remembered this origami star video on You Tube and had to get them involved in my plan. I thought it would be fun to make a whole bunch with kind words and “you are….” phrases inside. I made 60 of them, enough to last me the whole year if I open one a week, plus a few extra just in case. I used 12 x 12 inch scrapbook paper and cut 1/2 x 12″ strips, then followed the video HERE*. *UPDATE! Be Sociable, Share! Pine Cone Fire Starters Last Christmas I saw a variation of these at one of those pricey but fun to browse stores with my mom. I loved them, so much that I pulled out my trusty iPhone and snapped a few photos from every angle thinking the entire time "I can totally make these". So here we are a year later doing just that (my procrastination can only deter me so long). Let's get started, You'll need: 24 or so Pine Cones 2lbs Wax (I used soy)Candle twine A Scent (Optional)A cupcake panBaking cup liners - A MUST (Ignore the crisco in the photo I tried greasing instead of the liners the first round and it was a FAIL) First, I cut 24 - 8 inch strips of my candle twine. Then in a mason jar (or really any vessel you don't mind being covered in wax) heat up your wax. Once the wax is melted, pour yourself another glass of wine and add a scent if you'd like smelly pinecones (I used the recomended dose on the bottle). Now here's the hard part, you have to walk way. I know it's hard but trust me, it's better for everyone.
TUTORIAL :: SOCKS OWL | WHIMSY LOFT This is a very simple Tutorial to make a Sock Owl. I’m using the leggings sock… the one that goes from your ankle up to your knees. See photos below from left to right. Measure 5″ from the rubber and cut. Turn the sock around and sew a straight line on the rubber part. Ones done, go to the other side (where we cut just now), and fold the opening into 3 section like the photos. The section that I am holding in the photo is about 1 cm and it’s the tail of the owl. Then continue to sew the other section (the legs sections should be longer that the tail). Turn the socks around. Here is that body of the owl. Now, use some felt to cut the eyes and nose. Sew the felt on the owl as shown in photos below. Then (refer bottom panel of photos), cut 2 pieces of felt and 2 pieces of socks in another colour (you can also use fabric). Use simple stitches to sew the pink socks on the felt, then sew them on the sides of the owl. Ones you have sewn the wings, the owl should look like the photo below.
Sweet origami hearts To be honest, I was never keen on origami hearts (or roses for that matter) for a fairly long time because it was hard to accept the way they look — I find them too edgy and not very loving. Well that’s all in the past. My perception has changed (and I’m so glad). I’ve been on a folding spree over the new year break, particularly enjoying making heart after heart, starting with: 1. The ring design is by Hiroshi Kumasaka [熊坂浩氏]. Make bigger rings to use as napkin ring, bangle, scroll tie, bottle tag, etc. 1. 8. My preference is to hide those 2 flappy peaks (from step 12) inwards. 2. 2-sided heart Totally in love with this heart by Matthew Gardiner which looks identical both front and back. Notes: Crease well. 3. Followed this tutorial which uses a piece of triangle paper (i.e. the diagonal half of a square). 4. Designed by Kathleen Weller for a dollar bill. 1. 11. 17-18. plus Amazing hearts with either a crane, boat, plane, house, lips, diary and much more!! [p.s.
File Folder Scrapbook By Debi Devitt I borrowed the idea for this file folder scrapbook from the homeschool community's lapbooks. Lapbooks are a learning book that are very popular with homeschool families. The idea is that the child enjoys a hands-on learning experience as they create and then later sit and go through all the intricate little elements in a lapbook. Learning is reinforced as the child shows off their lovely lapbook and enjoys looking through it himself. Well, I love all the intricate elements so much that I think these would make the most fun mini scrapbooks. Supplies Needed: File Folder Scrapbook papers and cardstocks Adhesives Embellishments Directions: Open your file folder completely out and then fold each side in so that the outer edges meet the center fold. Cover the front sides and back with decorative scrapbook paper or cardstock. Cover the inside flaps with scrapbook paper or cardstock. Cut two pices of cardstock to 11-1/2 x 5-1/2. Cut a piece of double-sided cardstock 11-3/4 x 9.
20 Crafty Ways To Use Up Fabric Scraps : Posted on | November 8, 2008 | 2 Comments My grandmother always had a mountain of fabric scraps. Leftovers from sewing projects, hems cut off pants, recycled out-of-style skirts, old pillowcases; everything was added to the pile. If you have your own fabric scraps, here are 20 crafty uses for your excessive of riches. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1/2 yard of stretchy fabric can be made into a beret. 10. 11 & 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Comments How to Marbleize Paper and Cards - Introduction Immediately after removing the paper, place it in a pan, and pour water over it. Hang paper to dry, marbleized side up. Do not touch the paper until it is dry (typically within 2 hours, depending on humidity levels). Decide whether to keep or discard your solution (it can be used several times). To change paint colors, lay strips of newsprint across the solution's surface, then remove; repeat with clean strips until the solution is clear. You can store the solution in an airtight jar for about a week.
Tiny Polaroid Magnets Hi there! It’s felt like forever since I’ve last blogged, and has felt like an eternity since I’ve done anything crafty and nifty. Since my morning sickness has gone into full speed (yes, we’re expecting our third this fall!) I came across these DIY Pantone chip magnets on How About Orange and wanted to do something similar. You will need: Cardboard (mine was the backing of a sketchbook — much thicker than the back of a regular spiral bound notebook) or 2-3 sheets of white cardstock or poster board spray-mounted together to use as a sturdy backing to the magnetsOpaque white marker (necessary only if your cardboard is not white) Craft knife Metal straight edge/ruler Clear packing tape or frisk film. Step 1: Download a Photoshop file of the Polaroid frames below. Step 2: Print out photos onto photo paper. Step 3: Spray the back of your sheet of photos and also the cardboard with spray mount. Step 4: Trim out photos with craft knife. 487 Comments
How to Weave on a Cardboard Loom June 25th, 2008 Email 1322 users recommend Weaving like this can be the basis for so many projects: place mats, coasters, bags, hats—use your imagination. All photos by Diane Gilleland Keep your edges a little loose, and they'll stay nice and straight. An ordinary salad fork makes a great tool for keeping your weaving snug. Photo: All photos by Diane Gilleland Weaving is such a meditative, relaxing craft—and at the end of it, you have fabric! I like to re-use cardboard shipping envelopes for my simple looms. Begin by deciding how wide you want your weaving to be. Next, measure and mark every 1/4 inch along the edge of your cardboard, working between the two width marks you made in the previous step. Draw a line 1/2 inch from the edge of the cardboard. Use a pair of strong scissors to cut a series of slits in the edge of the envelope, 1/4 inch apart. Repeat these steps on the opposite edge of the cardboard. Time to string your loom! Here's a shot of the back of the loom. Ready to weave?
rolled paper flowers {tutorial} Welcome to flower week – five days of simple and delightful flower projects. I could probably do three weeks of flowers because there are so many different ways to create them, but I’ve limited it to five of my current favorites. Before we get started, let me make a few disclaimers: 1. I find inspiration for projects all over the place {online, in shops, in magazines}, then figure out how to re-create them on my own. 2. 3. Okay, so let’s begin. Here’s what you’ll need: :: paper {either cover or text weight} :: florist wire :: scissors, pencil, glue gun STEP ONE: cut irregular circle This circle is approximately 8 inches, but you can do any size you wish. STEP TWO: cut spiral Start at the outside edge and cut in a spiral fashion to the center. I like a sort of bumpy shape so that the petals end up a bit irregular If you aren’t so sure about your cutting skills, feel free to draw your spiral before cutting. STEP THREE: roll your blossom start at the outside edge and coil tightly And your flower grows.
monogrammed mugs Its Friday (yippee!) - time for another Steal this Idea* feature - a tiny show of appreciation for a well executed tutorial. If you know me, you know that I kind of have a thing for busts. No, not that kind! (Get your mind out of the gutter people.) I fall hard for the lovely lady heads that serve so well as accent pieces or jewelry displays. So when I spotted this DIY bust project from the always amazing Kara Paslay (who I've raved about before here and here), I knew I had to show you. She started with some scrap wood and some magazine clippings... ...and made a collection of beautiful busts that are just gorgeous! A nod to the old in a totally new way. Run over to the Kara Paslay Designs to check out all the details on how you can make your own and have a look around, her site is chock full of other beautiful, budget friendly ideas. postscript: *When I say steal, I really mean borrow nicely and give proper credit!
Lined Paper Tee by Maybe Matilda I’m pretty dang excited to be guest posting on U Create, of all places, with an easy and fun project for you. Just in time for heading back to school, I came up with this cute top: My name is Rachel, and I blog over Maybe Matilda. I’m from small-town New York, currently living in Utah with my soon-to-be-chiropractor husband and our soon-to-be-one-year-old son. When I’m not sweeping up Cheerios, I love sewing and crocheting for my etsy shop, and sharing what I make on my blog. I think this lined paper tee is such a fun way to bring out the inner student, and possibly even encourage a little bookishness in a little one (maybe that’s a stretch, but a girl can hope, right?). It’s really simple to put together, and you can easily make it in any size. Here’s what you’ll need to make this tee: a white tank, tee, or onesie masking tape foam brush blue and red acrylic paint fabric painting medium (available at craft stores–you’ll find it with the paint supplies)