Cut out 4 pieces from the old pattern. I made cute little flowers, so my pieces were 3 1/2" x 2 1/2".
Step #2
Fold up the pieces together, accordion - style. (see photo)
Step #3
Cut curves on the ends.
Step #4
Cut 2 notches in the exact middle of the pieces - do not cut all the way through. (It will be more clear in the next photo.)
Step #5
Wrap the wire (or you can use string) around in the notches.
Step #6
Separate each layer of the pattern pieces, starting in the middle pulling up the layer toward the middle.
Step #7
Continue pulling up the layers, one - by - one.
I plan to make a lot of these and putting them on branches for centerpieces. You can put them anywhere you can wrap the wire around!
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This is the boy version of my Design-a-Doll Workshop. I had made only girl dolls until one day my nephew asked me to make him a boy zombie doll. I made it to look like him and he loved it. (And even noticed that the doll looked like him!)
This tutorial is so much more than a tutorial, which is why I have called it a "workshop."
You'll learn how to make a rag doll - from designing it to sewing it. I also teach you how to embroider the face, make my version of a zombie doll or do a painted face.
If you're not up for designing your own doll, I've included a pattern for the doll, too.
These dolls are so addicting to make!
The list of materials seems sort of long, but you probably have most of the materials already. I like to use up old worn clothes. I especially love to make the boy dolls with old jeans for their pants.
Save memories by using your kids' favorite clothes or blankets and making them into a doll. Or remember a loved one who has passed on.
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.
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've been struggling a little bit creatively lately. I had some difficult times. Now I'm settled and it's over, but I'm still struggling a little getting going.
So I have been trying to come up with some sort of 1 per day project that would keep me accountable and going, even when I don't feel like it.
I've also been struggling in my life to continue to see the beauty in the world around me. I feel like there is a lot of beauty, but so many people have misunderstood and hurt me. People are mean to each other and hurt each other. I've hurt people, too. I've for a long time made a conscious effort to continue to see the beauty in people, even when I do feel hurt. (I've also cut my losses and moved on in many cases, too.)
Lately, though, it's been more difficult for some reason.
Maybe I'm burned out. Maybe I'm depressed. I'm not sure.
It occurred to me the other day that I should do a yearlong project to help me with both of these problems. To be creative each day and to see the beauty in the world around me. (In addition to working on my photography skills.)
Thus, the "Life is Beautiful" project I've started today. My favorite movie of all time is "Life is Beautiful." Just thinking about the movie makes me emotional. If you never have seen it, you should. (And see it in Italian with the subtitles - it's better that way.)
The title of the movie is the perfect title for my project. 1 photo per day of something I find beautiful in my life that very day.
I will post the photos daily on my flickr photostream. Sometimes I will post them here, too.
Remember the inspiration post from Sunday? I showed you a plain unusable key. Well, now that key (and others!) have been transformed into funky one-of-a-kind upcycled key pendants!
One side has pretty paper applied with a hard glaze on top. The reverse side has left alone and shows the key. I tried covering that side, too, with a message (i.e. "I love you" for Valentine's Day), but that didn't really work out. I really prefer this way because you can still see the key.
In between nursing a sick boyfriend, a huge sewing frenzy (photos to follow from that sometime soon) and getting sick myself, I started a new project at a workshop at Building Character:
It is faux stained glass. Well, at least this is the start to it. It will be a sign for my stand at artMarket. Above it is pictured with just the black.
I really didn't think that I could do this, but it was easier than I expected. If you are in the Lancaster, PA area, you really should check out the workshops at Building Character.
I love this sign in black and white, but I was told that that it wouldn't be stained glass if I didn't add color, so I started to add color. I will definitely share the finished project.
It was so much fun making wrapping paper for my handmade Christmas presents. I only wish I would have taken more photos of the different papers I made. During a workshop at Building Character, we made lovely wrapping paper with hardware and other interesting things. For example, I made a very cool wrapping paper with keys imprinted.
I believe that the brown paper is pretty inexpensive and you can make very personalized paper then, too. You could also make birthday wrapping paper.
The other interesting thing about this gift is the gift tag. I have always kept Christmas cards I receive each year and have not figured out what to do with them. Well, this year I cut them apart and used them for gift tags. It is a simple project that makes good use of your old cards and gives them new life.
