In this part of the world spring is just starting. It will be officially spring tomorrow, but it has felt like spring for a little while. What do I do in spring? Go on road trips. I think that's why I have maps on the mind!
Plus, I have a collection of old maps just waiting to be made into cool, functional stuff!
This week I'll be posting all about maps: tutorials using maps and new products using maps.
Craft Along
I am so excited to be having a CRAFT ALONG this week as well! Each day you'll find steps to make a TRAVEL PAPER BAG SCRAPBOOK! Using - of course - maps!
Here's a list of everything you'll need to make your own Travel Paper Bag Scrapbook:
Paper bags (1 bag for each page you want. It has to be an even number. Mine will be 12 pages.)
Glue (I used Tacky glue and glue sticks)
Maps for the cover and for decoration inside
Other decorative papers
Binder clips or a big book (optional, to help hold the book together while it's drying.)
Ribbon or lace
Cardboard for the cover (the cover of a notebook or back of a legal pad is perfect for this)
Each day, I'll give you a list of what you need for each step!
For day one, you just need the paper bags, glue and binder clips or a big book to help push the paper bags together while they're drying.
Make this unique bracelet using worn denim and leftover hardware. Denim only gets better with age, so when you outgrow or have ruined your jeans, save them! Cut around the worn parts to make this bracelet.
This bracelet is great for people with metal allergies - no metal touches your skin!
All you need to know already is how to sew in a straight line. I'll teach you everything else!
I now have a pattern store on Craftsy! Craftsy makes things easy and smooth. After you pay for your tutorial, you can immediately download it. On etsy you had to wait for me to email your pattern, which could be within 24 hours. Unless I get feedback that convinces me otherwise, I'll be listing my tutorial/patterns on Craftsy from here on out.
Love Hand Sewn Fabric Cuff Tutorial
25 pages of instructions, full color photographs and hints. You’ll learn the basics of hand sewing a cuff bracelet and then find inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization as well!
This is a great project to take on the go with you!
This is a beginner tutorial - I'll teach you everything you need to know. Get stuck? Email me for help!
Each tutorial contains:
● A list of materials and tools needed to complete the tutorial.
For the Love Cuff Tutorial, you’ll need embroidery needle, embroider floss in pink and heather gray (or other color of your choice), scissors, chalk, a button, 2 colors of denim and an old t-shirt in pink or any other color of your choice.
● Detail instructions on how to complete the project. I have written this tutorial as if you have no idea what you are doing.
● Helpful hints.
● Colorful close up photos. I make the project and stop to take photos at each step to show you. 2 ways to learn: words and photos.
● Inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization!
● Printable pattern.
● My email address in case you get stuck along the way.
January is National Hobby month. Yay! What that means for you could be anything from practicing your clarinet to watching a lot of movies. Or maybe it means it’s time to get crafting!
Good news for you if you’re interested in getting crafting, I have a new tutorial for sale! I have put so much time and love into this tutorial. The first of many I have planned for the new year.
It’s 41 pages of instructions, full color photographs and hints. You’ll learn the basics and then find inspiration and ideas for personalization as well!
You’ll get the instructions for the Basic Fabric Cuff. Then you’ll find instructions for the Freestyle Sewing Cuff, Hardware Cuff, Lots O’ Buttons Cuff and Flower Cuff. At the end are hints and ideas for further customization.
Additionally, you’ll receive a 25-page tutorial for the Hand Sewn Love Cuff. You’ll learn how to hand sew a cuff and get ideas for customization for that as well. Sew on the go!
Each tutorial contains:
●A list of materials and tools needed to complete the tutorial. You’ll need a sewing machine, scissors, thread, needle, paper, pen, ruler, fabric (I recommend worn out jeans), and a button. (For customization you’ll want a pile of buttons, hardware, and/or additional different fabric. For the Love Cuff Tutorial, you’ll need embroidery needle, embroider floss in pink and heather gray (or other color of your choice), scissors, chalk, a button, 2 colors of denim and an old t-shirt in pink or red.)
●Detail instructions on how to complete each project. I have written this tutorial as if you have only the basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine. You’ll have to be able to sew in a straight line.
●Helpful hints.
●Colorful close up photos. I make the project and stop to take photos at each step to show you. 2 ways to learn: words and photos.
●Lots of inspiration and ideas for personalization and customization!
●Patterns for flower cuff and love cuff. I’ll show you how easy it is to make a pattern for the cuff itself.
●My email address in case you get stuck along the way.
Hints and Tips:
●Create without worrying about the outcome and enjoy the creating itself.
●You don’t have to follow my instructions exactly. Try something different or use a different material. That is why I write these tutorials. I want you to feel comfortable trying something new!
●I love reusing and recycling. (No doubt you know that if you’ve visited my blog!) I strongly encourage you to try reusing materials to make these projects.
●You can make memorable keepsakes by using special fabrics or incorporating special objects into the cuffs. I do recommend that you practice prior to using irreplaceable items.
Terms of Use:
You may use these tutorials to create products that you sell. You do not have my permission to share, distribute or sell the actual tutorial - or any part of any tutorial - itself.
If you wish to teach this tutorial in a workshop, that is is okay with me. However, if you know of other teachers who wish to teach my tutorials, please refer them to purchase the tutorial from me.
I have been making dolls for quite a little while now and I love it.
Things I love about rag dolls:
I love picking out the fabric for their outfits
I love embellishing their outfits.
I love reusing old clothes or using up fabric scraps that would go to waste to make something so sweet and cool.
I love it when little girls love my zombie dolls - I love that they are so cool that they know that they are zombies!
My favorite memory was when my nephew asked me for a boy zombie doll, which I made him for his birthday.
You see, I made my own pattern so I change my own pattern all the time. I only made girls up until that time. Caleb wants a boy, I made him a boy!
(He loved it, by the way!)
That's the cool thing about this tutorial, too. There is a pattern included. But I take you step-by-step through making a doll from actually designing and drafting a pattern! It's completely customizable.
You can use any fabric - even old clothing. Make memory dolls to remember those who have passed. Use your children's favorite clothing that doesn't fit them anymore. The ideas and possibilities are really endless!
You need to know how to sew. I am a self-taught sewer and I only really learn new sewing skills as they are required for me to finish a project. You'll need to know how to sew in a straight line and go around a curve for the head. You'll have to hand-sew the head closed.
You'll need:
Sewing machine
Thread
Needle
Embroidery floss and needle OR paint (for face)
Fabric - for body and hair (I often use felt for hair)
Buttons (for zombie doll)
Any embellishments for your doll - lace, ribbon, etc.
Stuffing - poly fiberfill
With this tutorial eBook you'll learn how to design a doll, draft the pattern and put it all together. You'll also get a pattern (like my zombie dolls) to help you if you get stuck.
You'll want to make dolls over and over again!
You get all of this for $15!
I know you can do this! Come out of your cocoon and emerge creatively!
This pendant is completely customizable! Use any paper you want! Even photos. This is one of my most popular pieces of jewelry because of that reason. I get custom orders all the time.
You don't need any special jewelry-making skills or even any special tools to make these pendants! Just a little imagination to pick out some cool paper! I'll tell you where to easily get everything else in the tutorial.
Perfect for Holiday gifts, craft shows, other gifts, scout projects, etc.!! Use them for fundraisers!
This tassel garland is fully customizable. Use old worn out clothes and it's eco-friendly as well.
I saw Prudent Baby's tutorial and decided to try it out myself!
Materials:
A variety of coordinating fabrics
Ribbon, lace or string
Tools:
Scissors
Step #1
Cut your fabric into squares or rectangles. You can make your tassels any size you would like. Cut the fabric twice as long as the length you want your tassels to hang.
My fabric was about 16" x 16", but varied because I was using worn out clothing and fabric leftovers, so I had to cut around holes and sleeves, etc.
IDEA: You can certainly buy fabric to use in this project, but to make it more eco-friendly, use worn out clothes or other leftover fabrics.
Step #2
Fold your fabric in half.
Step #3
Make slits in your folded fabric about an inch or so apart, stopping about an inch or so before getting to the fold.
Step #4
Unfold your fabric.
Step #5
From the middle, roll your fabric.
This is what you'll end up with.
Step #6
Fold your rolled up fabric in half.
Step #7
Cut a small strip (or use a scrap) of the same fabric and tie it around the top.
Step #8
Repeat for all of your fabrics.
Step #9
Slide your tassels on ribbon or string. I used lace, mainly because I have so much of it. You could also tie the tassels on with another scrap, but I just slide them directly onto the lace.
I know it's difficult for everyone to hear this, but we're only a little over 3 months until Christmas.
Each year I tell myself that I won't wait until the last minute to start working on my handmade holiday gifts. Each year, I fail. I'm usually covered in thread and/or glue and pieces of fabric and paper when I finally crawl into bed early Christmas morning.
It's definitely all worth it when I get to give my family and friends gifts that I personally made for them. And I'll admit it, I like to impress them, too.
I just made this form to help me plan for the holidays this year. If you want one, it's free - just click on the add to cart button to get it:
Handmade Holidays Planning Chart
I'm gonna get it together and get to making some awesome gifts while there is still plenty of time!
And there is still plenty of time at this point to get your holiday gift list together, find some great tutorials and make your gifts! You still have time to learn a skill and impress your friends and family with beautifully handmade gifts!
You can find plenty of jewelry tutorials from me in my etsy shop (and soon to be available for immediate download, too.) After your purchase from my etsy shop, you'll have the tutorial in your inbox within 24 hours (usually much faster!)
You'll also find a super cute doll tutorial in my shop where you can learn to customize and make your own doll! You can even make a zombie doll!
Quite frequently lately I have been noticing people telling me that they "wish" they were creative. I have been telling people they "are" creative. They don't believe me, though.
I feel that if you "wish" to be creative, GO FOR IT! You may just need some tools or a little instruction and the desire to make something! Don't be afraid of failing! You can just try again if it doesn't work out.
So, I have launched a line of eBooks to help people learn how to use their own creativity to make awesome stuff!
The eBooks are much more than just a tutorial or pattern of how to make a predetermined project. (Although, I am making those, too, if that is what you want to do!) The tutorials will contain lots of information on how to create your own unique project.
Your project won't likely be perfect at your first attempt. The beautiful thing is that you get to try again! The more you make the projects, I hope that you will eventually become very comfortable with making things and coming up with your own ideas.
The more comfortable you become, the more creative you will be!
What kind of tutorials are we talking about here? Well, you know I’m a jewelry designer, so you know there will be jewelry involved. But they’ll also be other tutorials I know you’ll enjoy that include making awesome artsy stuff out of regular old stuff. Like flowers that never die, or creating your own custom rag dolls. These are things you can whip up for presents, a project for a rainy day, fun you can have with your daughters, start a new business! The possibilities are endless!
I have written these tutorials for people who have 0 knowledge of how to do the projects included. If you never made jewelry before….it’s okay, I’ll teach you. You never thought about making flowers out of newspaper…that’s fine, I thought of it!!
You’ll receive each tutorial via email with a secret link to the pdf for the projects I do throughout each month. (including blog tutorials that I personally write. Note, I do share other’s tutorials on my blog sometimes. These will not be included, but I’ll share a link to the tutorial so you can check it out.) Each month you'll receive: * At least one instructional tutorial. For examples see my "Make Your Own Extraordinary Jewelry Out of Ordinary Objects" eBook http://www.etsy.com/listing/70427093/make-your-own-extraordinary-jewelry-from or Design a Doll eBook http://www.etsy.com/listing/68063853/make-your-own-design-a-doll-rag-doll
They include tons of information on how to make the general craft and then how to expand upon the idea to customize your own projects. Sometimes they include tons of different projects.
* Usually will include another more simplified tutorial. (Sometimes these are really just mini tutorials that were actually a part of the big tutorial. If that is the case, I won’t send them separately. If it is a separate tutorial, you’ll get that in your inbox!)
* Any tutorials I do on my blog – right in your inbox!
My tutorials are different in that I give you A LOT of information on not only how to make a project, but also skills so that you can go on and be creative and come up with your OWN projects!
I sell my “instructional” eBooks for $15 each, and my smaller eBooks for $8 each. With this subscription, you get them all for the low price of $8.33 per month when you pay for the entire year at once! That’s almost ½ price just considering the $15 books – and you get lots of extras, too!
Plus, you'll get them right in your inbox as soon as they're released!
And I’ll even include a bonus eBook of your choice that is already listed in my shop to get started while you wait for the next tutorial! (just check out my make it yourself section and choose any of the eBooks and I’ll sent it to you!)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me before purchasing!
This tutorial is fun and simple! Give yourself an edgy look with a feminine twist.
Supplies:
Ribbon *
5 Washers
I used about 30 inches of 1 inch wide ribbon. My neck is relatively larger than most women. You want enough room to tie a sweet bow in the back.
You can also use smaller washers with narrower ribbon.
Step #1
Look at your washer. There is a flat side and a rounded side. Pull 1 washer onto your ribbon (a little more than a third of the way from one end - from the left end for this photo.) Sit it so the rounded side is facing up.
Step #2
Pull a 2nd washer onto the ribbon. This time when you place it on the ribbon the flat side will be facing up (for the moment). The 2 rounded sides are facing each other.
Step #3
Pull the ribbon back through the 1st washer as shown in the photo. The first washer is the washer on the bottom and the 2nd washer is caught by the ribbon near the top.
Step #4
Pull the ribbon so that the washer is tight on the ribbon. Position the 2nd washer so the rounded side is facing up and it's layered over the 1st washer.
Step #5
Pull the ribbon back up through the 2nd washer.
Step #6
Follow steps #2, 3, 4 and 5 for all of the washers.
Step #7
Pull the ribbon up through the last washer.
Step #8
Tie your Washer Ribbon Choker around your neck!
That's all there is to it!
Variety:
For a variation, you could use end crimps made for ribbon on the ends and add a clasp instead of tying a bow. Or you could make a bracelet. Like I said above, you can use smaller washers with smaller ribbon.
