Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Adorable Magnets


These magnets are easy to make, and you can personalize them in so many ways. Here's what you'll need:
  • clear glass gems {flower section at Hobby Lobby}
  • cute scrapbook paper
  • adhesive magnet strip or pre-made magnets
  • ceramic glue (if you use non-adhesive magnets)
  • Mod Podge
  • Q-tip
  • scissors

TIPS: Get paper with bright vibrant colors with a good amount of contrast. Pastels don't show through as well. Black and white patterns work best, but regardless of the colors, the contrast is key. Also, try to get the larger gems. You can find the small gems at any craft store, but I know Hobby Lobby carries the larger ones. (Approx. an inch in diameter) Lastly, whether you buy a strip of magnetic tape or pre-made round magnets, note the strength of the magnetic force. It is measured on a scale of 1-10. Initially I bought a strip that said it was 3 on the scale, and it held the weight of a single sheet of paper but not much else. So then I bought pre-made round magnets that were a 6 strength, and they are strong and work great!

Steps...

1. Decide where you want to place your gem on the scrapbook paper, and trace around the edges.

2. Cut the paper along the inside of your trace marks to insure paper doesn't stick out around the edges.

3. Apply the Mod Podge to the backside of the glass gem.


4. Place on the paper. Don't worry that you can see the white Mod Podge--it will dry clear.



See, in just a few minutes it is clear.









5. Now, if you bought a roll of magnet strip, cut it down to fit the back of your gems. Remove the white adhesive paper and stick to the g
ems. If you bought pre-made magnets, you'll have to glue them on with some industrial strength glue (I recommend E-6000).









That's it! Super cute and super easy. And there are so many possibilities in the design. I see some really cute holiday magnets in my future!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Free or Cheap Sewing Patterns & Fabric Ideas


Photo credit: cohdra from morguefile.com


Sewing can be extremely rewarding when you want to make that perfect fit or save some money. But buying everything at the fabric store is not always cheaper than just buying it already made. So here are some ideas on finding fabrics and links to some free patterns.

Fabric and Notions
* Search the Thriftstore. They frequently have remnant fabrics and notions.
*Think outside the box. Need to make a sample dress out of cheap fabric before you cut up the expensive fabric? Try a $2 sheet. Use old shirts to make new smaller ones for your children. People frequently refer to this as upcycling. Be creative!
*Try Craigslist, Freecycle, or yard sales.

Sewing Patterns or Tutorials
There are lots of free patterns online, this is certainly not an exhaustive list. So if you are looking for something specific, try searching around a little. I may add to the list as I find some new sites that I like.

Burdastyle.com

Free or cheap PDF sewing patterns. Some free tutorials and lots of sewing advice.

Indietutes
This is a personal blog but she is really talented at patterns and gives plenty of picture tutorials. If you don't want to draft up patterns from tutorials, she also sells the patterns as PDF on Etsy very reasonably.

Amy Butler

She has some really great pattern for sale but these free ones are nice too. Many quilt patterns but there are some other good ones.

Sew News

The sewing magazines online patterns and projects. Wide range of projects and techniques.

Sewing Mamas

Lots of tutorials split into their various categories.

Craftster

This is a webside for all crafty people to get together. I have included some clothing tutorials lists but they may have more sewing tutorials on the forum for other topics. You can search and enjoy to your hearts content!

Craftster clothing in general tutorials -this also includes accessories, embelishments, undergarments

Craftster kid's clothing tutorials

Craftster reconstructed clothing tutorials

Craftster free clothing pattern list -they have their own list of free patterns you can peruse.

Well that should get you started. Now find a great project and get moving!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Homemade Playdough

This cute little man loves himself some playdough. The little Bug and I frequently make this stuff into "dino eggs" and "baby dinos," in addition to the normal balls and snakes. He is one happy camper if his playdough is involved.



Playdough is relatively simple to make. I know that a lot of people do a pretty basic salt dough for playdough, like the one found here. However, I found a recipe through one of my all time favorite crafty blogs that I just LOVED. I made this stuff over 3 weeks ago, and it's still soft and pliable. Amazing! I KNOW!!!

You can find the recipe and detailed instructions here. Oh, and the craft blog I love? It's called Homemade by Jill. She hasn't blogged as much since the birth of her 2nd baby, but it's only been about a month. She's got her hands pretty full.

Have fun with the playdough!