Thursday, January 31, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make an Iron On for a Tote

Free printables are linked to this tutorial

Iron On Tutorial at Oh The Lovely Things Blog

"Although this might be in complete contradiction with my ramblings on New Year's resolutions, I've been inspired by motivational and positive quotes that, in just a few words, ring of optimism and good cheer. I like to think of them as an incentive, a reminder, or simply an intention that guides my days.  In the selfish perspective of cheering myself up, I designed three potential mottos: "look up" (that seems to be the words I need to live by lately), "create" and "let your heart sing". As I was trying to think of a way to incorporate these designs (or one of them) into my daily life, the idea of transferring them onto a canvas tote bag occurred to me".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Knot Dress

Pattern includes sizes 2 through 6

Knot Dress Tutorial at Scattered thoughts of a Crafty Mom Blog

"Making a dress for my daughter to wear on Valentine's Day has been on my "list".  I wanted it to be Valentine-ish, but not "scream" Valentine's Day.  That way, she could wear it any any time... I happened to be running a few errands near Joann's and stopped in to check out their Valentine's Day fabric collection.  There wasn't much to choose from. I'm not sure if they'd sold all of the good stuff already or just never got a big selection in.  I managed to find 4 coordinating pink and brown fabrics, (though only one of them was actually part of their V-day collection) and one sweet little birdie print fabric that kind of matched".... Read more

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Spool Necklace


An easy and inexpensive project

Spool Necklace Tutorial at Tea Rose Home Blog

"I found this bag of wooden mini spools at Hobby Lobby for $1.99 (comes with 16pcs). They had several different sizes, but I chose the 1/2" x 5/8" one. As I was looking at them, several design ideas started to pop into my head".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Miniature Candlesticks

Perfect for a dollhouse

Miniature Candlestick Tutorial at The Craft Arty Kid Blog

"I had a recent commission for a miniature fireplace so I thought I would share how I made the miniature candlesticks.  All you need is two wooden kebab skewers, or cocktail sticks for smaller candles, four round beads and two flatter beads. It doesn't matter what colour as they'll get painted".... Read more

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Doll Sized Coasters

Ironing beads are fun to work with

Coasters Tutorial at Lilla Luise Blog

"Last project in our Scandinavian month - let´s use some of these ironing beads again and make little itty bitty coasters for a doll and toy tea time! Jamie loves to throw tea parties for her dolls and teddy bears almost daily, so we figured it´s about time to have some lovely little coasters for her tea time "guests". Pattern wise I went with a simple flower - fully inspired by all the cross stitch goodness that comes from Scandinavia! I kept doodling until  I found a shape I liked so there you go - a small rose flower for making tiny coasters".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Refashion a T-Shirt

Start with a simple, non-fitted T- shirt

T-Shirt Refashion Tutorial at Made with Hugs and Kisses Blog

"A few weeks back my brother had a clear out and, as usual, he was under strict instructions NOT to throw any clothes away without first being inspected by myself for any useful buttons, zips, or just fabric in general. He buys some crazy stuff you would be amazed at some of the treasures I saved from going in the bin. Anyway, I found a t-shirt was just lying there all unused, unwanted and striped (who doesn’t love a bit of stripey?) and I saw the perfect opportunity to test myself and try a refashion".... Read more

Monday, January 28, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make an Origami Dahlia

Video tutorial for making these pretty paper flowers

Origami DahliaTutorial at Origami Maniacs Blog

Could be used in Scrapbooks or other paper projects See more

Tutorial - How to Make a Fleece Top


A snuggly, warm fleece top for the cold winter

Fleece Top Tutorial at Sewing the Littleheart Collection Blog

"As you have probably noticed, I like to make every-day clothes. I don't like to make things that are worn only once, I like to see them worn and feel like it was worth all the hard work. I got some pretty fleece a couple of months ago. My first project was a coat for Littleheart I made during KCWC. I discovered it is actually really easy to work with fleece, and was excited to go on to my next project. This time I searched the internet for some inspiration".... Read more

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Cat Doll from a Sock

Choose a fun striped sock to make your puppet

Sock Cat Tutorial at Cheer Your Child's Day Blog

"Hi cat lovers! ... This tutorial is making cat sock doll  ... I created this tutorial upon request DAAI TV (local TV) ... they asked a simple doll tutorial in order to follow the kids who watch this show. After browsing here and there I finally decided to make a sock puppet ... and it was so easy to make it if we try directly! Let's try".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Sprout a Sweet Potato Tuber

Harvest the shoots for stir fries and salads

Sprouts Tutorial at Sharlzdollz Blog

" I wanted to show (with actual pictures) the ease of sprouting a sweet potato tuber at home.  Simply take one the tubers from your local fruit and veg shop.  Pop it in a bottle or clear(ish) container in the sink with water in the bottle.  Suspend your tuber in the bottle with some toothpicks.  The crazy eyes are optional but make you smile while washing the dishes".... Read more

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Tutorial - How to Stamp with Bleach

Wear gloves and work in a well ventilated area

Stamp with Bleach Tutorial at Untrendy Life Blog

"The two most popular posts on this blog are the bleach pen projects. I get e-mails all the time from people living in other parts of the world who do not have access to bleach pens and  ask if I could suggest an alternative. There are alternatives, but since I have not tried them out, I am hesitant to recommend anything. However, finally I had some time to play around. I have been wanting to see how stamping with plain bleach would work.  I went through my fabric stash and cut small test areas from different woven fabrics to see how they react with bleach. I strongly encourage you not to skip this step".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Bow and Headband Organizer

Hang and admire your girl's pretties

Bow and Headband Organizer Tutorial at Pretty Posy Blog

"My girl's collection of hair accessories was getting a little bit out of hand. They were shoved haphazardly into a old box that sat on her dresser. Consequently, I found myself picking up piles of hair bows whenever she decided that dumping the box would be an enjoyable activity. Here's a fun and cheap solution to bow and headband clutter".... Read more

Friday, January 25, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Jewelry Tree

A unique holder for your jewelry

Jewelry Tree Tutorial at The Paisley Fish Blog

"This jewelery display is fun and easy! Plus, yay for using scrap fabric!  Start by picking a pleasant tree branch. Use one that will have lots of branches for hanging jewelery. Make sure it has thin branches and thicker branches. The branches will be reinforced with the fabric and glue, so don’t worry about it being too thin. USE A LIVE TREE. Make sure you ask the tree very nicely to use it’s branch and say thank you with your heart.  Using a live tree will ensure that your branch has flexibility and won’t break when your wrapping it with fabric".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Sweater Dress for your Dog

Keep your pup fashionably warm

Dog Sweater Tutorial at Upcycled Stuff Blog

"Today Miss Bella is modeling a very eco-chic sweater dress that has taken a bit of a walk on the wild side.  This mint green dress was fashioned from the sleeve of an old sweater and embellished with a zebra striped ruffle.  It's the party dress that every girl needs this holiday season.  Here's how to get yours...well MAKE yours".... Read more

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Tutorial - How to Refashion a Man's Polo Shirt

Ingenious how the front becomes the back

Polo Refashion Tutorial at Sisters, Sisters Blog

"This was probably the easiest and quickest shirt refashion that I've ever done. And it's now one of my favorite and most comfortable shirts. I didn't want to deal with removing the frontal buttons and having a really scooped necked shirt so I decided to just keep the buttons and make them the back of the shirt. Yes, it's a little different to have the buttons down the back, but super comfortable and I think it looks better that way".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make an In Seam Pocket

Tutorial to add pockets to your outfit

In Seam Pocket Tutorial at Threading My Way Blog

"An in seam pocket is so easy to add to pants, skirts or shorts. This tutorial will show you how to easily add an in seam pocket to a project you are making.  The first thing to decide is the shape and size of the pocket. Typically, an in seam pocket is narrow at the top, curving down to a wider bottom. Here's the shape I made mine. I just drew it freehand a couple of times, till I was happy with the shape".... Read more

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Calendar Flip Chart

It's not too late to make a calendar for the new year

Calendar Tutorial at Pretty Please Blog

"As small as it may seem, I finally thought of making a Calendar Flip Chart for my board. Yes, I can easily just write out the date on the board like most teachers do... but I always seemed to forget. And yes... I had one of those cutesy desk calendars and even had student volunteers to change the date... but it just took up precious desk real estate and even the kids would forget to change the date. It was also too small for the class to see".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Leather Roses

Make stylish accessories from scraps of leather

Leather Roses Tutorial at Leonie's Creations Blog

"These roses will make everything look glamorous. You can put it on your shoes, make a broche with it, make a ring with it, decorate your bag, etc. The roses are really easy to make it takes about 15 minutes".... Read more

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make an Easy Draped Top

Simple Asymmetrical Top from Scrap Fabric

Draped Top Tutorial at Janets Gems Blog

"I couldn't believe this actually worked! so I did a quick tutorial. This only uses about a 50cm strip of material, so costs next to nothing... especially if its an old off cut you had from something else".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Tissue Cover


These are sized to hold a small pack of travel tissues

Tissue Cover Tutorial at A Spoonful of Sugar Blog

"With the new school year looming, it is the perfect time to do some Back to School crafting. Sadly, my teens no longer want me to make them anything for the new academic year, but with some pleading on my part, Sarah agreed that she could use some Tissue Covers to keep in her school bag and locker. She has inherited my allergies, so always needs a steady supply of tissues. We tend to buy the travel packs of tissues in bulk".... Read more

Monday, January 21, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Passport Pouch

Use felt to make this pretty fabric windowed pouch

Pouch Tutorial at Leonie's Creations Blog

"This weekend I made a passport pouch. I was looking for one in the shop but they all look so boring. Especially the skin colored ones. So I made a fashionable one that you can comfortably hang around you shoulder when moving around on the airport and go through the security checks".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Burlap Shopping Bag

Stencil a favorite saying on your bag with fabric paint

Shopping Bag Tutorial at The Chilly Dog Blog

"I've used my own shopping bags since before reusable shopping bags were cool. Everyone in our house has a set of five or six large shopping bags in the trunk of their car for grocery shopping. I made the first set of bags about ten years ago and they have carried countless loaves of bread, cartons of eggs, boxes of cereal and more. Unfortunately, they are starting to show their age and are getting a little threadbare in spots.  So, it was time to for a new set. My requirements? I wanted to make something sturdy, inexpensive and a little fun. Grocery shopping doesn't have to be boring".... Read more

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Bean Bag for your Tablet

A comfortable way to use your tablet

Tablet Bean Bag Tutorial at Creating My Way to Success Blog

"My girls saved up for months and with help from some extra Christmas money from us, just before Christmas bought themselves Samsung Galaxy Tablets.  So I was then looking for something small for them to open on Christmas day, since they already had their main presents!  These bean bags seemed perfect - so I decided to make them one each!  I couldn't post this tutorial before Christmas as my girls do look at this blog sometimes - but it's all clear now so here's how to make a Tablet Bean Bag of your very own".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Fabric Covered Magnet Board

Use a metal pizza pan as a base for your project

Magnet Board Tutorial at The Paisley Fish Blog

"Great for the home, office, dorm, or where ever! My roommate’s mother made one of these for her, and after seeing hers, I had to make one! Her mom used an old shirt as her fabric! Yay for upcycling".... Read more

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Lace Collar

A sweet accessory to dress up any outfit

Lace Collar Tutorial at Mia Moon Love Blog

"Get your fabric, lace, and some cotton.  I layered my lace over the pink cotton and used the black cotton as the underside of my collar".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Update an End Table

Get out your Modge Podge for this attractive refinish

Nightstand Tutorial at Chase the Star Blog

"Hey lovelies!  I am back in the swing of things and so excited to have spent the last two days knee deep in projects.  Aaah, I missed the smell of fresh saw dust, and the mod podge under my nails. I had this nightstand, it had been repurposed into an entry way table, and now will serve as an end table.  Who knows what it will be in its next life".... Read more

Friday, January 18, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Leather Bracelet from a Belt

An old leather belt,a sharp knife and a short piece of rope

Leather Bracelet Tutorial at Schpeglar Blog

"I will show you how to make a simple,yet beautiful braided bracelet from an old belt without using any special tools,just some you can find at home or almost any local store.Here is what it should look like when we are done".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Refashion a Sweater with Lace

A simple 20 minute makeover project

Sweater Refashion Tutorial at Blissful and Domestic Blog

"I am back this morning with another sweater refashion. I found this white cardigan at one of my favorite thrift shops. They were having a half off sale on orange tags. This sweater was suppose to be $2 and I got it for $1. I then grabbed some floral lace trim and got to sewing".... Read more

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Tutorial Exchange Opportunity

Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby and Home is offering free supplies to three crafters to make a Valentines Day tutorial.  The winners of this exchange opportunity will receive either a packet of hearts and stars buttons, a yard of heart decorated tulle, or a yard of heart design cotton fabric.  

Shell Hearts and Stars Buttons
Silver Heart Tulle
Hearts and Dots Cotton Fabric

These Totally Tutorials readers would then create something utilizing the material, and share how their project was done by posting a tutorial on their blog. The tutorials will also be posted on the Totally Tutorials blog, and may be linked to the Abakhan site as well.
If you are interested in creating a unique piece with one of these items, please post a comment after this post with the URL to your blog or website. The ideal candidate will be someone with a blog or website, experience in making tutorials, and the ability to take nice photos.  If you have a preference on which of the three items you would like to work with, note that in your comment as well.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, January 21st. I will contact the winners of the exchange by Tuesday, January, 22nd. The winners will then have three weeks (February 12th) to complete their tutorials.
 ~ Happy Crafting 
P.S.  Please leave only one comment.  It will be posted after passing a spam check

Tutorial - How to Make a Bunny Security Blanket

An adorable recreation of a blanket this blogger had as a child

Bunny Blanket Tutorial at Sewing the Littleheart Collection Blog

"Today I am going to share a project with you very close to my heart. When I was a little girl, I had this bunny softie I loved. My parents actually bought me 6 of them, because I would not go anywhere without it. The bunnies were a big part of my childhood, and accompanied me everywhere.  I have lots of pregnant friends at the moment, and decided I wanted to recreate the bunny, so I can make some presents, and perhaps give these new babies the same security, my bunnies gave me".... Read more

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Recycled Denim Mug Rug

A nice way to recycle denim into a lasting (and useful) item

Denim Mug Rugs Tutorial at Inventive Denim Blog

"Today I am excited to share with you a set of mug rugs made from one of my Dad’s Hawaiian shirts and a pair of his jeans.  My Dad passed away a few years ago so this is a special reminder of him!  I decided I wanted to feature both the jeans and the shirt equally.  Therefore, I came up with the idea of making two mug rugs identical in construction but with a reversed placement of the shirt and jeans in each one".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Storage from Diaper Boxes

Coordinated storage boxes with labels

Storage Boxes Tutorial at Just Chic Blog

"When you have a baby you go through many diapers and baby wipes and are left with all these big and small boxes . It seems such a waste to toss them even if it means recycling as these are sturdy boxes that could be reused for another  purpose. When we bought our new home and started the big packing operation, I saved and used them as moving boxes".... Read more

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make an Ice Garland

A fun winter project with the kids

Ice Garland Tutorial at Nap Time Crafters Blog

"Experiencing some freezing weather? Make the best of it with a cheery ice garland! A pop of color can really brighten up a cold, winter day. To make ours extra fun we did heart shapes. Anne really enjoyed this and it was super quick and easy".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Prime a Canvas

Get it ready for your next masterpiece

Priming a CanvasTutorial at Thoughts, Rants and Art Blog

"My boyfriend and I bought these cool mini canvases at our local AC Moore. The problem? They needed some more priming before we could paint on them. I put together this quick little tutorial on how to prime them quick and easily in hopes it will help someone else".... Read more

Monday, January 14, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Purse Organizer

This organizer is a fabric box a divider and pockets

Organizer Tutorial at Nissa Made Blog

"I am supposed to be working on my next bag assignment for the online class I'm taking.  I'm having trouble coming up with a design.  I'm not getting "inspired" by my fabric stash.   I also haven't sewed much in the last month so that may be part of the problem.  So I decided to do a small project to get the sewing juices going again and that resulted in the below purse organizer".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Melted Crayon Canvas

I've tried this - lots of fun!

Crayon Art Tutorial at Creative Jayu's Blog

"Crayon Canvas Art--- It's the latest craze and Pinterest DIY project to have people buzz with excitement. Wanna learn how to do this, then read further".... Read more

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Red White and Blue Placemat

Australia Day is Celebrated in January

Placemat Tutorial at A Spoonful of Sugar Blog

"Australia Day on January 26 is usually celebrated with BBQ's and picnics. In Perth we have a fabulous skyworks show set over the Swan River. We usually attend the fireworks with a picnic and enjoy all the free entertainment.  We have created a set of placemats in blue, white and red,  perfect for our Australia Day celebrations. They have been made from some off white placemats (we used Marit placemats from Ikea ) that have been hemmed in a scrappy binding. We have re-purposed a jeans pocket from an old pair of jeans, which is the perfect place to store cutlery, a serviette/napkin, and some eucalyptus leaves".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Belt from Boots

Refashion leather boots into a designer belt

Belt Tutorial at Nelesc Designs Blog

"I have had these boots for about three years and they finally broke on me. 3 years is not bad for $10 boots, right? I should be sad but it actually made me happy because there were so many possibilities. These boots had cute buckles so I had options; should I make a cuff? A belt? A hat? I chose to make a belt out of it".... Read more

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Mr. Potato Head Playmat

Easily stored and a good travel toy

Mr. Potato Head Tutorial at Make the Best of Everything Blog

"Christmas is over.  So is 2012.  I am a little behind in posting my projects.  This felt Mr. Potato Head play mat was actually a Christmas gift for my nephew Kyle.  I am so behind in posting my projects that when I made this Felt Mr. Potato head, Kyle was my youngest nephew. And as I type this, Kyle now has a new brother Jacob.  I am really starting to feel that felt makes fantastic toys.  I put together a felt Christmas tree for my 14 month old son.  It was cheap and provided HOURS of entertainment. HOURS!  And felt sticks!  Its WONDERFUL".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Cherry Blossom

 Using dried twigs and felt flowers

  Flower Decor Tutorial at Blooms and Bugs Blog

" Remember the birthday party I couldn't stop talking about.Well, I still have a few things to show you from the party. I was inspired by this tablescape and wanted to create the same look for the birthday cake table. However, I had no intention of shelling out a lot of money for the decorations so we made almost all the decor ourselves. It was tedious but I loved how it all turned out.  Here is how I made the cherry blossom branches shown".... Read more

Friday, January 11, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Circle Tutu Skirt

The bottom layer is soft cotton

Tutu Tutorial at Sewing the Littleheart Collection Blog

"I decided that it was time to be a princess. I looked around the internet for some inspiration, and decided to make her a princess dress with a separate tutu under it, so that Littleheart would have the tutu after Purim to play dress-up. She doesn't have any dress-up clothes yet, but I think this is the time to start her a dress-up box, so this will be the first item in her box!  I haven't started the dress part yet, and I will definitely post about it, but today I want to show you how I made this circle skirt tutu. I made it long, since it goes under a princess dress, but you could make a shorter one if you are just making the tutu by itself".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Baked Almond Custard


Sprinkle custard with nutmeg to taste

Almond Custard Tutorial at Jenny Jo's Recipes Blog

"This recipe is the "Runner Up" for Silk AlmondMilk Autumn 2012 Contest, is a delicious low-carb that is protein rich, but also taste like a dessert".... Read more

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Fitted Sheet

Turn a flat sheet into a fitted sheet

Fitted Sheet Tutorial at Solomon Sewing Blog

"The first thing you need to do is measure your mattress. The measurement A in the diagram to the left is the actual width of your mattress. The measurement B is the actual length.  Measurement C is made up of the depth (or height) of your mattress plus some extra. The extra amount is determined by how much you want to sit under the mattress, plus a little for your elastic casing".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Fabric Art Wall Piece

Use some of your favorite fabrics for this piece

Wall Art Tutorial at The Paisley Fish Blog

"What’s fun about this project is that you can cut your foam in whatever fun shapes you want! Eventually, I would like to make a bunch more of these fabric wall pieces and have like a giant puzzle look going on my wall above my craft area".... Read more

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Painted Leather Collar

Paint a detachable collar

Collar Tutorial at LDP Blog

"I've seen so many Peter Pan collar-style necklaces and so much galaxy print floating around the parts of the internet devoted to fashion lately that they've finally lured me in, and I had to try them out for myself - so I put both of them into one item. And, thus, I present to you".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Princess Crown

A video is included in this tutorial

Princess Crown Tutorial at Sweet Sapling Blog

"I made a sewing tutorial!  My first one!  This little girls princess crown tutorial is not only cute but  fun, quick and easy to make!  I used some beautiful fabric from the line “Hug Me” by Sue Zipkin for Clothworks and made a really sweet Valentines themed crown.  Makes a perfect little gift for your Valentine".... Read more

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Crispy Prawns Torpedo

Recipe for Salsa Rosa Dip included

Prawns Tutorial at To Cook With Love Blog

"When we are craving for some Asian food, we don’t order it. I make it. My husband never really loved Asian cooking until we met. Because I live an hour (car) drive away from the city where Asian stores are located, I used to buy my asian staples online. However (and to my delight), a grocery store about 20 minutes away from where I live started to sell basic asian products like rice vermicelli wrappers, soy sauce, teriyaki marinade, sesame oil, sake, mirin, etc. Imagine my delight when I found they sell japanese bread crumbs (panko). Of course, you can get about the same results using ground corn flakes, cornmeal or crackers. So, if you don’t find panko where you live, don’t feel afraid to substitute it to make these Crispy Prawns Torpedo. If you can get peeled and deveined (but with the tails on) tiger prawns where you live, good for you! Although you can always do it yourself, too".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Your Own Stamps

A great way to make wrapping paper

Stamp Tutorial at Art with Kids Blog

"To make these little stamps I took some of the textures that I used in my post about rubbings and glued them to scraps of wood. They're a nice comfortable size for a child's hand".... Read more