Sunday, July 31, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Garbage Bag Liner Holder

What a fun idea! Why not, right?

Garbage Bag Liner Holder Tutorial at Sweet Floweret
"Yesterday morning I was emptying the trash cans around the house. I got to the one in my powder room and thought, "wow this thing is gross". I bought a metal trash can a couple of years ago and it now has rust spots on it. I now put garbage bags in it, but it looks kind of ugly. Honestly, it looks really ugly. I thought of a way to make it look a titch cuter ;) A garbage can bag holder upper for your little garbage cans. Now, I know that usually, little garbage cans don't need help in this area. The sides of the bag hang so low outside there is no danger of the bag falling in and you needing to reach in through snotty kleenex, q-tips and heavens know what else the kids may toss in. This is more cosmetic. Do I have better things to do than dress up my garbage cans? Am I concerned that when my kids grow up they will bring up the summer mom spent making crazy crafts? Eh. Not really..." Read more

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make an Organza Flower Pearl Necklace

Pearls and flowers - beautiful!

Organza Flower Pearl Necklace Tutorial at Creative Mind
"I Love Aqua color..although i don't dislike any color but its among one of my most favorite color, I went for some shopping a few days back & i saw this aqua colored glass Pearl necklace at store..when i ask about its price so it was amazingly cheap...in 1$...awww..amazing..so i picked it happily from showcase..its a plain necklace,now i am going to make it a little bit more fancy..i learn fabric flower making from several blogs,but i didn't check any organza flower before,its my first effort but i love it & now will make some more flowers for other things!..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Dress from Three T Shirts

I love this design and how versatile it is!

Dress from Three T Shirts Tutorial at Seams Inspired
"As promised, here's the tutorial for the T-Shirt Dress. It's so easy, you'll be able to whip this up in under an hour..." Read more

Friday, July 29, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Coupon Clutch

What a nice gift this would make!

Coupon Clutch Tutorial at Wedding Dress Blue
"In a sudden burst of inspired energy, I spent part of the day Thursday working on this idea.
Super-couponers might find this Coupon Clutch/Wallet/Carrier/Holder a little small, but for a moderate coupon user like me, it is just right. Enjoy!..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Korker Ribbon Cake Banner

Insanely awesome!

Korker Ribbon Cake Banner Tutorial at Sweeter Than Sweets
"In case you missed my guest post over at The CSI Project, here's my tutorial for a new kind of cake banner, a Korker Cake Banner... it's a fun and festive cake topper for any celebration, no cake decorating skills necessary!..." Read more

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Rent College Textbooks and Help Kids Through Operation Smile

Something a little different today....

My oldest son is starting college in just a few weeks. If you or your child is getting ready for this semester, you know how much textbooks cost. Did you know that you can rent them? I had no idea!

After reading through CampusBookRentals.com, I realized that there are so many benefits to renting.

* Saves big bucks!
* You order them online, they're delivered, and you send them back when you're done.
* If you need them longer, you can extend the rental period.
* If you need to re-take a class, you can re-rent the book at a discount.
* If you decide that you want to keep the book, you can purchase it for the difference between what you already paid and the value of the book.
* You can highlight passages.

I think all of that is enough to go the rental route. But it gets even better! Have you heard of Operation Smile? They perform cleft surgeries on children whose families can't afford it. CampusBookRentals has committed to donating enough money for Operation Smile to perform 1,000 surgeries.

1,000 kids! For every book rented at CampusBookRentals, they'll donate a portion to Operation Smile to meet and maybe even exceed their goal. Wow. 1,000 kids' lives changed!

I'm going to get my son right on this. If you need textbooks, I hope you'll check it out.



* I was contacted by CampusBookRentals and offered a discount on textbook rentals in exchange for this post. I've received many requests for paid posts in the past. I've always declined them. A few things made me accept this offer...
We could save money on my son's books,
proceeds from our rentals go to Operation Smile,
I thought that some of you may be looking for ways to save on college expenses also,
and if any of you do end up using CampusBookRentals, that means that even more money will be donated to Operation Smile.

I honestly couldn't resist this offer.

Update: Boy am I glad that I didn't resist the offer! We ordered six books from CampusBookRentals. If we had purchased them from my son's school, they would have cost $500! (That was for all used books of course.) We paid a fraction of that to rent them! They arrived in just a few days and the books were in amazing condition. Most of them were brand new. The used ones were in almost new condition. Amazing! I am absolutely thrilled with the whole thing. We save HUNDREDS of dollars!
You may notice ads for CampusBookRentals on the sidebar and at the bottom of the page. I added those as a thank you to CBR and to be sure that you all have the opportunity to save as we did. And of course there's the bonus of Operation Smile!

Tutorial - How to Make a Felt Bead Bracelet

Very fun! Kids could even make these beads!

Felt Bead Bracelet Tutorial at RosMadeMe
"Can you see how snow white my hands are? That's because I took it into my head that what I needed more than anything else was a bit of colour in my life so I hit my bag of Merino tops to make a wet felt bead bracelet..." Read more

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Ten Minute Pencil Roll

So fun and could be used for lots of things! How about crochet hooks or knitting needles?

Ten Minute Pencil Roll Tutorial at My Poppet
"A quick little project that makes a great gift and (as long as you have a pack of coloured pencils lying about) can be whipped up at short notice with materials from your stash…Only basic sewing skills required, so is a great beginner project..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Taped Screenprints

Endless possibilities!

Taped Screenprints Tutorial at Chi Chi Dee Handmade
"Learn how to create bold, geometric prints on fabric which can then be turned into cushion covers, tote bags, or stapled to wooden frames to be displayed as artwork. This simple technique uses everyday sellotape to mask off areas and (despite the title!) doesn't involve a screen at all..." Read more

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Coffee Cup Cozy

Very fun!


Coffee Cup Cosy Tutorial at SewHappyGeek

"Today’s tutorial is a super easy, very quick one, which would make a perfect gift to that Starbucks addict you know (or, if you’re in the UK, the Cafe Nero addict!). This cosy doesn’t take much fabric, and you could easily use the template to make up a patchwork front if you have smaller scraps you’d like to use up..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make an Easy Skirt for Baby Girl

So, so cute and easy!

Easy Skirt for Baby Girl Tutorial at maker*land
"Before Sophie was born, I was given bags of clothes which contained heaps of tops and heaps of tights, but nothing for in between. And no matter how cute those little tights are, with all their wee pokey-dots and daisies, that nappy bulge is just waaaayy unattractive. In any case, it's never too early for any daughter of mine to start learning how to cover up those lumps and bumps. If she is anything like her mother, it will become her life-long occupation. Sorry, kid.

This is a really easy skirt, which you can make with just one print fabric, or different prints. I have a lot of bits and pieces that I need to get rid of, so my skirts are a little hyper..." Read more

Monday, July 25, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Planes, Trains and Automobiles Wall Art

Totally cute and super easy! Templates included!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Wall Art Tutorial at Cook Clean Craft
"After making the transport-themed quilt cover for the little man, the next step was to make matching wall art (so I could move the nursery animal wall art I made into the baby's room). I had space on the wall for 4 pictures..." Read more

Coupon - $1 off White Cloud at WalMart

We have another coupon! White Cloud from WalMart!

This coupon is limited to a certain number of prints and will only be available for a short time. If you can use it, be sure to print it out before it's too late!

You don't need to download any third-party print software. You don't even need to leave Totally Tutorials.

Just click on "Get Coupon" in the image below. Easy!


This is an offer for White Cloud Bath Tissue, available only at Wal-Mart. The offer is “$1.00 off of any White Cloud Bath Tissue or Paper Towel Product" (excluding 4 roll bath tissue).






Expiration Date of Printed Coupon: 2 weeks from when it is printed

Be sure to check back often to see the latest coupon. Who knows what the next one will be!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Clear Labels with Laser Printer and Tape

Genius I tell ya!

Clear Labels with Laser Printer and Tape Tutorial at Sew-Much-Better
"Use creatively. Suggestions .... Scrapbook, organization, spice bottles, tins..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Shoulder Bag from Child's Sundress

They're beautiful!

Shoulder Bag from Child's Sundress Tutorial at Creating My Way to Success
"A couple of years ago, a friend brought back these beautiful dresses from Bali for my daughters. They did wear them a couple of times, but then told me they felt too scratchy and uncomfy, and so they've been hanging in their wardrobe ever since, unused and unloved! Which is a shame because the fabric is beautiful! So I decided that we'd make use of them in a different way! Time for some upcycling! And these bags are the result!..." Read more

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Baby Wrap

This is totally doable! Watch the video at the end to see how wonderfully it works for baby and mom.

Baby Wrap Tutorial at Five Little Ladies
"this tutorial is different from what you will find out there on the internet because you will only need 3 yards of fabric! I don’t know about you, but if I have to go buy 6 yards of fabric, I’ll just save the time sewing and buy the brand name baby wraps currently on the market. So get your fabric store coupon out and go find a great deal on 3 yards of fabric so you can feel good about spending the time to make this..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Fabric Mosaic Art

Un. be. liev. able. Seriously. Do you know how she made that? Tiny scraps of fabric ironed down! Very inspiring post. A must read.

Fabric Mosaic Art Tutorial at Colorcrazed
"Just how does one CRAZE their artwork? You must start with imaginative thinking, which will lead you to adventurous and daring action. You must step out of the proverbial box of conformity. In fact, you must be brave enough to lift it up. For only then will you discover the guarded treasure hidden beneath—your unseen capacity for creativity..." Read more

Friday, July 22, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Beaded Leather Cord Macrame Bracelet

Fun!


Beaded Leather Cord Macrame Bracelet Tutorial at Show, Tell, Share
"The art of macrame has come a long way. The materials you can use today give you far more choices than a few decades ago. They also look much better. I have done basic macrame with my boys and we used hemp. Recently as I was browsing at Hobby Lobby (by the way, I am NOT getting paid by Hobby Lobby, no matter how many times I go there and mention it in my posts) and found some skinny leather cords. I picked up some wooden beads and large rings and lobster claw claps to make a bracelet with. This is probably the simplest form of macrame ( just Google "macrame jewelry" and you will see some truly amazing and beautiful pieces) but with using the right materials, simple can be also beautiful..." Read more

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tutorial - How to Sewing Basics

Just getting started with sewing? There are some great basic explanations here!

Sewing Basics Tutorial at Holloughby
"This week I'm going to show you the basic techniques that I use when I'm sewing the Sewing Tuesday projects.You can go through the information here and practice it on a scrap of fabric..." Read more

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Puzzle Pillow

What great gifts these would make! Too fun!

Puzzle Pillow Tutorial at Brittany's Best
"If you can sew a straight line, you can make this cute hide and seek puzzle. I made mine for my niece but have found that adults seem to be drawn to the puzzle too. My husband’s friend asked if I would make him a smaller version for his desk, so I did..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make an Applique Love Pillow

Super cute! Love the 3-D yo yo addition!

Applique Love Pillow Tutorial at SewHappy.Me
"1. Trace letter shapes on to fusible web. Letters have been reversed on pattern sheet ready for you to trace..." Read more

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Leather Bow Cuff Bracelet

I absolutely adore this! In fact, right after I saw it, I whipped one up with some faux leather I happened to have. Love it!

Leather Bow Cuff Bracelet Tutorial at Oh the Lovely Things
"1. Cut an oval piece of leather, approx. 22cm x 10cm (approx. 8.7" x 4"). You can make it longer or smaller, depending on the size of your wrist..." Read more

Monday, July 18, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Outdoor Sconces

What an amazing way to welcome guests!

Outdoor Sconces Tutorial at Heart-Hands-Home
"We are celebrating our daughter's 16th birthday, our oldest son's graduation and finally having a housewarming party all rolled into one giant barbecue! When we moved into our house a year ago, the yard was suffering from severe neglect and we are trying to reclaim part of it from the overgrown wilderness--what a job!

One of the things I have been trying to do is spruce up the entry to the house to make it feel a little more welcoming. If candlelight can add a welcoming glow to the inside of the house, why not the outside!..." Read more

Coupon - Free Shipping on Eco-Friendly Pet Odor Products

We have another coupon!

I am a coupon addict. I love them and use them for everything.

This is an offer for eco-friendly odor solutions to eliminate pet and household odors for home, garden or recreation. The offer is “Free Shipping on orders of $20 or more on any pet odor solution products.” from Pure Bio-Clean Solutions.

This coupon is limited to a certain number of prints and will only be available for a short time. If you can use it, be sure to print it out before it's too late!

You don't need to download any third-party print software. You don't even need to leave Totally Tutorials.

Just click on "Get Coupon" in the image below. Easy!



Dates Valid Online: 7/15/11 through 8/14/11
Expiration Date of Printed Coupon: 8/14/11

Be sure to check back often to see the latest coupon. Who knows what the next one will be!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Braided Ruffle Tank

Crazy cute!

Braided Ruffle Tank Tutorial at Nap Time Crafters
"Let me introduce you to the braided ruffle tank! Yup you heard me right- braided and ruffled.
Because sometimes you just need both:)..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Big Kid Dining Chair Booster Seat

It can be wiped clean! Perfect in every way!

Big Kid Dining Chair Booster Seat Tutorial at Cook Clean Craft
"The first time Little Man sat one of the chairs, he leaned back and freaked out when he didn’t get any back support, and refused to sit on a big boy chair again. Crafty-Mum was on the case, and whipped up this with items from her stash..." Read more

Friday, July 15, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Lace Shorts

Very cute! Love the addition of the lace to the pockets!

Lace Shorts Tutorial at LDC Designs
"Supplies: Shorts & Lace..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Refrigerator Magnets - Three Ways

Great ideas!

Refrigerator Magnets - Three Ways Tutorial at East Coast Mommy
"My fridge has become a catch-all for pictures, appointment cards/invites, notices, and artwork. I thought it would be fun to make some super cute (not to mention... easy, quick, and inexpensive!) magnets. I am already feeling more at peace with the chaos covering my fridge..." Read more

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Laptop Sleeve Bag

Fabulous bag! Love the fabrics and ruffles!

Laptop Sleeve Bag Tutorial at Sew Leelaa
"I have never done this before, so hopefully I took enough pictures for you to understand what I am talking about. My 13 year old stepdaughter had been begging us for a laptop for the last couple of years, and last year for her birthday we finally got her a net book. I had made her a case for it then, but she came to me last week and said she wanted one that wasn't "kiddish". As I wiped a tear thinking she was no longer a kid, I took her to the fabric store and let her pick her own fabric..." Read more

Tip - How to Make a Greeting Card Organizer

I've got a pocket notebook but it's not very well stocked. Thanks for the push!

Greeting Card Organizer Tip at Life Blessons
"I’m not sure where she got it, but for quite some time, my mother has kept a big teal box filled with greeting cards for every occasion. It was always so handy to have that card box there at a moment’s notice to thumb through, without having to make a special trip to the store. I can remember running off to a friend’s birthday or preparing for a bridal shower, and her asking me if I needed a card for the occasion. “Look in the card box!”

For quite some time, I’ve had an assortment of stationery and a handful of greeting cards that I’d bought and never used, stored in an empty shoebox. But it was not the same as my mom’s well-stocked collection..." Read more

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Stuffed Bird

What a sweet, silly bird!

Stuffed Bird Tutorial at Holloughby
"This week, I'll show you how to make this inquisitive bird.
He asks a lot of questions. He doesn't always expect an answer though, so don't worry. He just likes to ask and wonder. He also understands that some things are just the way they are for no particular reason..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Bear Pillow Buddy

Any child would adore this!

Bear Pillow Buddy Tutorial at Chocolate Drool and Kisses
"For Christmas I made Sam a lion pillow buddy, after seeing the lion one my sister asked if I would make her a bear pillow buddy. I followed a fellow bloggers tutorial to make the first one, but I had a really hard time with it because you hand sewed the head and eyes on after everything was done which was really hard and not very secure and the head popped off a few days later, so I figured out a different way to sew the head on..." Read more

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Flower Garden Cake

Absolutely amazing! Those are cupcakes decorated with marshmallow and candy flowers!

Flower Garden Cake Tutorial at Sun Scholars
"We just celebrated my sweet Tatum's 4th birthday.
This was the Flower Garden cake to top off her Fancy Four Affair.
Each birthday I try to make a special cake for my kids. Though I love baking, cake decorating is not my forte!
I found this fun idea in one of my favorite books, What's New, Cupcake? by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson. I love this book because the ideas are fairly simple and the results are so impressive..." Read more

Tip - How to Make Leave-In Conditioner

Great idea!

Leave-In Conditioner Tip at Measured by the Heart
"We have long thick hair in this family and no matter what I do, we play the tangle game. I promise you things go easier if you use this on those tangles..." Read more

Monday, July 11, 2011

Tutorial - How to Weld Shapes in the Silhouette Machine

Very cool! What an awesome machine that must be!

Weld Shapes in the Silhouette Machine Tutorial at Donna's Daze
"I've been having a blast with my Silhouette SD machine. If you haven't already found them, the official Silhouette blog is here. Kelly from Finding Time to Create has another fantastic blog with tutorials here. A couple of weeks ago, the Silhouette blog offered a tutorial on Compound Paths and Word Welding. I followed the basic instructions to create 2 Valentine designs..." Read more

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Drawstring Backpack

Great gift for adults too!

Drawstring Backpack Tutorial at Always Expect Moore
"We had a birthday party to go to this weekend, for a little girl turning 6. Although running to the store and grabbing something is much easier, I thought it would be fun to whip up a cute gift. I decided on this fun little drawstring backpack, and made a tutorial to go along with it..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Comics Flowers

So fun!

Comics Flowers Tutorial at My Naptime Crafts
"I've been playing with lots of comic book ideas lately and thought up this one, since I've made flowers with fabric before... It's fun and easy and a new take on recycling/upcycling! You will need comics, cloth floral wire and clear drying glue..." Read more

Friday, July 8, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Rag Quilt Pumpkin

Very cool!

Rag Quilt Pumpkin Tutorial at Rag Quilt Classroom
"These are made from strips of football shaped fabric. Sew these together using a ½” to 1” seam allowance..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Felt Banana, Strawberry, and Carrot

Super cute!

Felt Banana, Strawberry, and Carrot Tutorial at The Crafeteria
"Finally! Even as my list of projects is only getting longer, I still managed to take some pics to explain how to make a felt strawberry, carrot and (peeled) banana..." Read more

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Star Hair Braids

So fun! (Sorry that I didn't get this up before the 4th!)

Star Hair Braids Tutorial at Measured by the Heart
"Here it is, the tutorial for star hair. I got the idea for this hair style from this great website. I get some many comments and questions whenever my girls wear this hair style. We usually do it for independence day every year. It does take more time but is so worth it!!..." Read more

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Rag Quilt

Kids just love those fuzzy rows on rag quilts. I've got to make one someday! Love this one!

Rag Quilt Tutorial at Innovative Inventory
"My latest project was a rag quilt for my niece. Here is a little how-to for this simple project..." Read more

Recipe - How to Make Homemade Bagels using a Bread Machine

There's just nothing like homemade bread of any type! Yum!

Homemade Bagels using a Bread Machine Recipe at Life Blessons
"I mentioned awhile ago, that I've been doing some experimenting with my bread machine. Well, I am happy to report that I had an astonishing bit of success making something I would have expected to be a disaster: homemade bagels!

I'm pleased that the first batch turned out just like how you'd expect, golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Perfect, with a little dab of butter..." Read more

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Tossing Bean Bags

The best old-fashioned toy!

Tossing Bean Bags Tutorial at My Poppet
"I used to love playing with bean bags as a child, they are great to practice throwing, catching and balancing. You can make your own from materials lying about..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a TP Roll Organizer for Kids

Looks like fun for the kids!

TP Roll Organizer Tutorial at Creative Mind
"Few weeks back I make something interesting & useful Specially for kids,its perfect for kids desk,i want to show you this simple & easy creation..." Read more

Monday, July 4, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a 4th of July Bi-plane

How cute is that?!

4th of July Bi-plane Tutorial at Sandy's Space
"I love making off-the-page projects to celebrate special occasions. In particular, it’s so satisfying to design decorative items for parties. They create a festive atmosphere and is often an interesting topic of conversation for the guests.

Since Independence Day is just around the corner, I’m sharing my 4th of July Bi-plane inspired by the early aviation designs of the Wright Brothers..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Yarn from Old Pants and Bowl Crochet Pattern

Fabulous!

Yarn from Old Pants and Bowl Crochet Pattern at Kanelstrand
"We normally knit and crochet using a thread of yarn but what if we add some reducing to our creativity? Sounds strange? We can then make our own thread without any sheep but with the out of our old clothes!

In this fun tutorial I will show you in just 6 steps how to upcycle your ragged pants by turning them into a bowl! ..." Read more

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make a Peacock Feather Necklace

Very pretty and unique!

Peacock Feather Necklace Tutorial at Design by Night
"I can't open a magazine or visit a fashion website without seeing some kind of feather accessory. Yes, I do make feather hair clips but I thought it would be fun to try my hand at making some jewelry. So after a little craft exploration I came up with an idea for a necklace out of feathers and an old plain chain necklace..." Read more

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Tutorial - How to Make Salt Dough Miniature Food

Really cute hot cross buns,croissants, and donuts!

Salt Dough Miniature Food Tutorial at The Craft-Arty Kid
"Pretty good spread huh?
Shame it's too tiny to be eaten.
That's right; I made some miniature food for my dolls house..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Yarn from Tshirts

Fabulous tutorial!

Yarn from Tshirts Tutorial at luckypennymake
"You can use any fabric really, you just want it to be a tube so you end up with one long piece of yarn rather than a zillion short ones. So if you're starting with flat fabric simply sew the two selvage edges together so you have a tube..." Read more