Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make an Expandable Photo Box

I remember making one of these at a Scrap Book Conference

Photo Box Tutorial at Craft Cravings Blog

"Happy Monday. Yes, it’s Monday again. Lame!  Today’s photos have a little bit of an ugly lighting issue. By the time I finished the project, a bunch of clouds rolled in and we’re  expecting rain tonight. I may go back and re-take some of these photos, but they aren’t too bad, I’m just being picky. Anyway, back to the project. This little exploding box is easy to make and it makes a great little gift! I made one for my mother for mother’s day last year in purples and greens. It had photos of all three of her kids. Each “level” of the box had photos of us at different ages. Level one was baby, level two was “older kid” and third level was more recent pictures. She really liked it and I know you guys will too. It’s so fun and depending on what type of paper you use, you can make it for any occasion".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Paper Floral Chandelier

Includes a free template you can print out

Chandelier Tutorial at Hello Hydrangea Blog

"If you visit my Pinterest, you'll notice that lately I have been filling up my Handmade Floral board. I have become obsessed with all types of foliage made from crepe and paper. Not only do these projects add a touch of handmade to our home, but the flowers last forever!  My last post was a template and tutorial to create the leafy garland that hangs horizontally from the top of this chandelier. If you want to take the next step and add some tendrils, follow this easy project".... Read more

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tutorial Exchange - How to Line Up Card Layers Perfectly


An easy way to make all the layers of a card line up perfectly

Card Tutorial at My Stamping Place Blog

"I was lucky to be asked to create a tutorial for Handmade Harbour and Totally Tutorials blog. The only catch - I had to want 5 free digital images. Gee, that was a hard one to accept (NOT!) hehehe. So, here is my tutorial for you using THIS wonderful image from Handmade Harbour. My tute will show you a simple but excellent way of making sure your card layers line up perfectly every single time - the "Straight Stick Trick". I have been teaching this "trick" to people attending my card classes for years and they love it. I have heard that this is also a technique taught at design school".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Turn a Hamper into Fabric Storage

This end table holds lots of fabric

Table Tutorial at Fleur de Lis Quilts Blog

"Make an table that stores your fabric. Several years ago, before the studio came about, every scrap of fabric had to be scrutinized and considered carefully before being put away or kept.  What quilter wants to toss out scraps?  Certainly not this one!  I just had to get creative in storing them.  A trip to my favorite dollar store yielded a couple of clothes hampers".... Read more

Monday, July 29, 2013

Tutorial Exchange - How to Use Digital Stamps for Making a Card

Beginners Guide for Using Digital Stamps

Digi Stamp Tutorial at Crafty Guider Blog

"One of the techniques I’ve never used is digital stamps.   Some of the paper crafters on twitter rave about them, but I’ve only ever used the stamps you ink up and print yourself.   Digi stamps provide the same outline image as an inked stamp, but they differ in that you can manipulate the image, for example by changing the size or flipping the image.   There is no physical stamp to store either as, once purchased, the image is emailed to you to download and store on your computer.   Handmade Harbour has come into the world of digi stamps in the last few months.   Wendy Massey has many gorgeous designs for almost every occasion to purchase and use to make cards.   She recently offered bloggers the opportunity to use digi stamps in a tutorial, and I was lucky to be chosen to receive a selection".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Crochet Edging

Make this attractive coaster with felt and a crochet edge

Crocheted Edging Tutorial at Glasklar and Kunterbunt Blog

"My second Häkeltutorial is ready! Today is about Häkelborten. They look harder than they are. Take heart, because the make in connection with material or - as in this case - felt real head turner. What you need: Wool Felt,Yarn - in my case, Catania Schachenmayr, a needle with a sufficiently large bottleneck, a crochet hook according to the thickness of twine".... Read more

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Tutorial Exchange - How to Make a Gif

3 Part Series on making Gifs using Handmade Harbour's Digital Stamps

Gif Tutorial at Art + Politics + Life Blog

"Notable: Gifs are easily share-able, perfect for advertising or creating buttons on a blog. Point: I teamed up with Handmade Harbour to show how to make pretty and versatile Gifs. If you're here from Handmade Harbour or Totally Tutorials feel free to stick around or subscribe, I post DIY projects weekly. Today will be the technical version. Later this week, Part II and Part III will cover a method that doesn't require too much technical skill, so be sure to tune in then".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Hem a Curved Edge

For hem that hangs perfectly straight

Hemming Tutorial at Mabey She Made It Blog

"Today I thought I’d share something I learned recently that makes a whole world of difference when you’re hemming curved edges. Have you tried making a circle or A-line skirt where the bottom gets progressively larger and run into frustration when hemming? You can try to fudge it a little, but I personally hate the bunching or folding that inevitably happens.  Seriously, this “secret” is simple, yet it makes a HUGE difference".... Read more

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Handmade Foam Roses

Make a whole bouquet with this easy and addictive craft

Foam Flower Tutorial at Cards, Crafts, Kids Projects Blog

"As most of my friends correctly commented in my last post, my current craft obsession is  home decor projects! And since I get only snatches of crafty time nowadays flower making seemed the best outlet for creative cravings!! Sharing my experiments in making handmade foam roses".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Pot Holder


Made from fabric and batting scraps, for a practical gift

Potholder Tutorial at A Spoonful of Sugar Blog

"We spend a lot of time baking here at A Spoonful of Sugar. As a result our oven mitts and pot holders get well used and regularly need to be replaced.  I have been working on a new quilt this week and wanted a quick project to work on. Pot Holders fit the bill perfectly!  Pot holders are a quick and fun sewing project, perfect for a beginner. They make a great little gift for baking lovers. If you would like to make a pot holder, here are some instructions on how to make an easy circular pot holder, with pockets for your hand. It includes a layer of Insul Brite batting for extra insulation and protection".... Read more

Friday, July 26, 2013

Tutorial - How to String Beads for a Bracelet

A beginner tutorial for stringing jewelry.

Bracelet Tutorial at Emerging Creatively Tutorials Blog

"This easy beginner tutorial will teach you have to string beads to make a bracelet.  You can use this tutorial to make necklace or anklet as well".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Painted Picture Frame

Easy and quick craft project

Picture Frame Tutorial at Peanut Life Adventures Blog

"My dad's birthday was on Monday, and as always he is super hard to shop for.  So I though I would make him something that I knew he would really like - a frame with a picture of us from my wedding.  I got the idea from Pinterest (of course ;)  I picked up a $1 wooden frame from Michael's.  They have several different sizes and styles.  I chose one with a heart cut out for this one because I liked the extra space since I wanted to write a saying".... Read more

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make "Quilt as You Go" Hexagons

A good project to take on vacation

Hexagon Tutorial at Always Quilting Blog

"I have had a number of requests for instructions to quilt -as -you -go hexagons so here they are!  You can apply theses instructions to any size hexagon you wish to make.  You need backing fabric, a contrasting feature fabric (or fabrics), fusible wadding (or non-fusible wadding and basting spray), and thread to match your backing fabric (Aurifil of course!!).  Scraps of fabric and wadding are ideal. You use 2 hexagons, one smaller than the other.  The smaller one is the finished size. The smaller hexagon should have sides which measure 3/4 to 1 inch smaller than the large one.  Many different companies produce perspex templates for drawing hexagons, or if you’re confident you can draw your own using a compass".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Fabric Covered Storage Bins


One yard of fabric should cover front and back of 4-6 bins

Storage Bin Tutorial at Its Always Autumn Blog

"I recently repainted my family room and added some IKEA Expedit bookshelves to try to tidy up all the toys, books, and other items that get strewn across the room each day. Bins on a bookshelf are a perfect organizing solution for family rooms and bedrooms, but I quickly realized that purchasing fabric bins to fill up the bookshelf was going to get extremely expensive - they would actually cost more than the bookshelf itself! I found a much cheaper solution - Sterilite bins purchased online in a six pack - but they weren't nearly cute or colorful enough. So I covered the front of each bin with fabric that coordinated with the colors in my room and turned these boring bins into modern and decorative organizers".... Read more

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Tutorial - How to Transfer Text to your Work

This technique will work with images too

Transfer Text Tutorial at Artangel Blog

"I love the look of text in art. This is a tutorial for a technique that I've used for the background of one of my recent canvases. It's simple to do (though a bit time consuming!). You'll need:  A canvas or other substrate, Paper with some text or image you want to transfer, Medium (medium, e.g. gel medium or Mod Podge)".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Ruffled Apron

Long vintage style apron in your choice of fabric

Apron Tutorial at Dolly Creates Blog

"I used this cotton from Joann - it is wonderful fabric, not expensive at all, and it doesn't wrinkle!  You will need: 2 yards of fabric  Directions:  Cut out the following pieces:  Apron body (skirt): 28 1/4" x 31 3/8"  2 pieces (ruffles for the apron skirt): 4 1/4" x 72"  3 pieces (ruffles for the apron top): 2 3/4" x 42"  2 pieces (tails): 5 7/8" x 42"  2 pieces (waistband front and back): 2 7/8" x 21 1/2"  For the apron top, save the two pictures below, and print full size using legal size paper (8 1/2" x 14") and tape them together".... Read more

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Pom Pom Rhinestone Bracelet

Shells at the clasp add an extra touch

Jewelry Tutorial at Jewels of Sayuri Blog

"Thank Gods for Friends!! It was heart warming to read all your comments and great advice on the post where I wrote about my hand. I was really unwell then and your words gave me a mental boost. So I would like to say "Thank you" with a gift. A Tutorial for a simple yet sparkly version of the friendship bracelet that incorporates all the latest trends like rhinestone and pompoms and that can be made in a few minutes time, even if your hand doesn't function well".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Dinosaur Plush Toy

A sweet little toy

Plush Toy Tutorial at LDP Blog

"For about a year now, my friends and I have adored the Sheldon the Dinosaur comic by Amburgered. Sheldon is a tiny dinosaur who thinks that he is a turtle, and uses an acorn for a shell. Whenever I know one of my very close friends, Abi, is feeling down, I make a point of finding a recent Sheldon comic and sending it to her to cheer her up".... Read more

Monday, July 22, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Seed Bead Bracelet

Make in birthstone colors for a special gift

Bracelet Tutorial at Etsy Addict Blog

"I love making birthday presents for people, so when a bunch of my friends have all had birthdays in the past couple weeks, I jumped at the chance to try out an idea I’d had for awhile".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Guest Book Alternative

Invite your guests to leave their best advice

Advice Bowl Tutorial at The Space Between Blog

"Now some of you may be reading this thinking “Have you met my friends and family? Do I really want their advice?” And I guess my answer to that is “I don’t know”.  But, trust me on this one, if nothing else the answers will be entertaining, thought-provoking and will make you smile for years to come.  Especially marriage tips from 8 and 10 year olds … eat dessert first ….… listen to Taylor Swift".... Read more

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Tutorial - How to Attach an Eyelet

Takes some practice, but the result can be stunning

Eyelet Tutorial at Fleur de Lis Quilts Blog

"A few posts ago, I mentioned that I'd modified a dress by removing the zipper and adding eyelets so that the dress would fit more comfortably and also to change the look a bit.  The young lady to whom it belongs was very happy with the new changes. Today I thought I'd write a tutorial on how to add eyelets.  Let's begin with the tools: I've assembled several items: not all are absolutely necessary, but they'll make the process a bit easier.  You'll need a hammer (not shown) scissors, measuring tape or ruler, pencil, small block of wood, hole punch and eyelets.  The needle-nose pliers and eyelet tool are great additions if you have them".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Asian Style Dumplings

Freeze and then just use them as needed

Dumpling Tutorial at What's Mummy Up To Blog

"So, this is the last installment in my School Night Dinners series.  And now .... drum-roll ... for Recipe Number 5!!  LOL.  Did I make it sound exciting enough!?!  ASIAN STYLE DUMPLINGS!  Out of the 5 recipes, this is probably my favourite ... not because it's particularly quick to make (it does take a little time to prepare), but because these little delicious parcels of yum freeze brilliantly, have a whole meal in them, taste as good as any dumplings you'd find at Yum Cha, and take no time to get onto the table from the freezer".... Read more

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Tutorial Exchange - How to Use a Digital Stamp

Easily print stamp on card or other craft project and color as desired

Digital Stamp Tutorial at Crafty Gift Shopping Blog

"I think it is really important to choose the stamp (I have used one from Handmade Harbour stamps)  that you feel most comfortable with and also how you are going to use it - is it going to be a card focal point or a sentiment? Then you  need to download it and save it to your PC - this is usually self-explanatory but I can help if you need it.  Once downloaded you will also need to decide what size you want your card to be as you will have to adjust the size of the image to fit the card - most of the images from Handmade Harbour fit an C5 card and so you can print 2 of them off on an A4 piece of good quality card - super smooth or even watercolour card is best but you will have to find out what thickness your printer is able to cope with".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Candy Kiss Mouse Ornament

Christmas in July Craft

Candy Mouse Tutorial at About Family Crafts Blog

"I am having a lot of fun working on these Christmas crafts and I hope you are taking some time to try them.  I had some Hershey’s Kiss candies in my craft room to use with the clear tube challenge so I thought I might try to make an ornament using them.  I came up with this mouse, but it can easily be made into any sort of animal instead. This project takes just a few simple supplies and also very few minutes to complete".... Read more

Friday, July 19, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Twist Front Top

Free halter top pattern for T-shirt

T-ShirtTutorial at So Sew Easy Blog

"The latest sewing pattern from So Sew Easy is a free t-shirt pattern for the Twist Front Top.  It’s a sexy halter top that can also be a dress if you’d like to extend it.  Designed for knit fabrics, this top crosses over at the front and the little keyhole at the front gives an interesting look while still actually being modest with full high coverage. The design is double thickness at the top front and back to give extra support if you need it, or for modesty if it turns chilly!  It can be worn with a strapless bra, or a halter neck bra if you use one of those clips to keep the straps closer together in front. You can also choose to change the design for a cross-over and then tie behind the neck halter style if you prefer by extending the straps".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Jean Gypsy Skirt

Combine a pair of old jeans plus a skirt for a new look

Gypsy Skirt Tutorial at Tousled Day Blog

"I’m still on my “old jeans stock”. To be honest, I’m not quite sure that this gypsy look is my style. I don’t know, I guess that I’m not brave enough for something like this (I know that I would get a lot of attention, you know, that “OMG, what is she wearing” attention). But, I would put it on Tousled day".... Read more

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Reversible Headband

Choose two of your favorite fabrics

Headband Tutorial at Peanut Life Adventures Blog

"I don't know about you, but I have tons of little wispy hair... and it goes everywhere!  It drives me crazy when I'm working out because all these little hairs will blow around and stick to my face.  Not cool.  I saw this patter for a double sided headband and I loved it.  Using some scrap fabric I decided to try my hand at making one.  It's a pretty easy pattern - fom Happy Together!  Using the pattern above from Happy Together, first you cut out your curved headband piece and the straight piece for the back of the headband.  You can use the same fabric, or contrasting fabric, or two completely random fabrics.  You need two headband pieces and two backing pieces".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Banded Yoke Top

Yoke can be for a top or dress

Yoked Dress Tutorial at KK Arts and Crafts Blog

"The draft contains two part, the yoke and the body. It is open at back for easy in and out. It is easy to make. Any one who knows how to finish a neck line can make this top/frock. Here I have made a frock, to see how the top looks click here".... Read more

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Scrappy Binding from Charm Squares

Use this idea to make scrappy binding from your stash

Scrappy Binding Tutorial at Fabric Fascination Blog

"In this post, I will show you how to make scrappy binding from charm squares.  My quilt is wall size - approximately 36" square.  It took 15 five inch squares (cut in half, and joined) to make it around the circumference.  If your quilt is larger, you will need more squares.    To get a rough estimate of how many charms you will need, calculate how many inches your quilt is around".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Dress Up a Hair Clip

Add some bling to a plain hair accessory

Hair Clip Tutorial at Creative Khadija Blog

"Summer is in its full swing these days & monsoon season too.. After every rain we have to face lots of  humidity everyday.well how is yours summer going on? I enjoyed my vacations a lot with some family trips, eating & outing, so much fun.. but finally I am back, so let’s enjoy crafting & here is my today’s post,  I am using these hair clips during summer mostly, They are good in catching  hair tightly & nicely.. isn’t it? So I am used to for these. But when I got this clip it was in plain black.. OMG.. how I can wear something simple? No Way.. I must be trying something colorful & shiny.. so here I did some easy effort".... Read more

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Waterproof Picnic Blanket

When finished,  roll it up and tie with the attached straps

Picnic Blanket Tutorial at Toronto Mama Blog

"I have been on a hunt for some time now for the perfect picnic blanket. In order to obtain "perfect" status, said blanket would have to meet the following criteria: It had to be huge...the bigger the better, machine washable (obvi.), waterproof and easy to store".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Crocheted Men's Scarf

This design would work for women and children too

Scarf Tutorial at What's Mummy Up To Blog

"With the weather feeling very much like winter now, and with the fact that Daddy leaves at some unearthly hour in the absolute freezing cold each morning to catch the bus to work, I thought it was time to craft up a little gem for him.  I thought he'd like a warm winter scarf, and have been thinking for a few months that I would just search the net for a nice masculine-style scarf pattern to crochet up while watching TV.  However, when I did do some searching I didn't really find exactly what I was after.  I really wanted a pattern that went across the rows horizontally (ie the short way), and so many of the patterns I liked went long ways.  The thought of trying to keep my stitches even over such a great distance (I think they generally start with chaining about 300 stitches) just didn't appeal to me.  I like a quick, easy pattern that I can do whilst watching TV or chatting with Daddy in the evenings".... Read more

Monday, July 15, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Wood Burned Leather Cuff


Leather should be vegetable-tanned or unfinished

Bracelet Tutorial at Untrendy Life Blog

"Pyrography is a traditional folk art in many European countries, including Hungary. Simply said, it is writing or drawing with heat on wood or as in this case, leather. A craft I have wanted to try out for a while now and thanks to my mom being here and helping out, I was able to. I may have gone a bit overboard, but it is kind of addicting seeing the design emerge from the leather".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Recycle Plastic Bottles with Papier-Mache

Make bear figures for story telling

papier-mache:
Papier-Mache Tutorial at The Crafeteria Blog

"My kids love recycling. They've heard about it so many times in kindergarten, so now they won't let me throw away anything... Plastic bottles we throw to the recycling bins, of course, but this time we decided to give them new lives instead. Three bottles, in different sizes and shapes, turned happily into three bears that helped us tell the story of Goldilocks (who's not so goldi in our case, more like Brownilocks...) and the Three Bears. Want to have them too? It's super easy".... Read more

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Silly Putty

Have some fun with the kids with this homemade silly putty

Silly Putty Tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom Blog

"On the last trip to the grocery store, I stopped by the kids art supply section and stumbled across this pink glitter glue (they had green too.)  I grabbed a bottle of each, since I just happen to know a sweet little girl who would love to make something fun with glitter glue...  (And of course, mama had something very fun planned for the glue.)  This silly putty recipe/experiment is made with just 3 simple ingredients".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Multistrand Necklace

This beautiful necklace is made with recycled beads

Necklace Tutorial at Miss P Blog

"So here is the 2nd of two jewelry pieces I made as part of The Refashioners 2013. (You can see the tute for the first one here) Again, because of the use of black glass bugle beads in this make, it has an overall 1920's feel. I love how this one turned out, and although threading all those beads was a little time consuming, it really is very straightforward!  To begin, attach multiple strands of monofilament/beading thread to the looped end of a piece of jewelry wire. I attached 2 lots of 8 strands and used crimper beads to hold them in place. Thread your beads onto each strand in turn (to your desired length), securing the end of each strand with a knot before you move onto the next".... Read more

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Crocheted Flowers

Easy and captivating crochet project

Crochet Flower Tutorial at Little Treasures Blog

"I have been making these flowers for years because they are easy to make and with a wide range of application. I thought it would be fun to share the tutorial. It is a great summer project. I think they resemble much the Adenium flower - hence the name. Enjoy it".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Quick Maxi Skirt

Use a skirt you have in your closet as a pattern

Maxi Skirt Tutorial at Made by Jenn Blog

"I wish I would have made these when I was pregnant!!! The fabric is so soft and the knit elastic band is very comfortable. It's definitely working out great for me to wear postpartum too. Supplies - 1 1/2 of knit jersey fabric, 2 or 3 inch knit elastic(joanns), existing skirt( yoga or maxi), ball point sewing needle, thread, pins, scissors. Lay out your fabric and fold it in half hot dog style".... Read more

Friday, July 12, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Set of Pattern Weights

Weights are stored on hanger when not in use

Pattern Weight Tutorial at Nanny Notes 2 U Blog

"When I decided I would like some pattern weights I found many ideas on Pinterest that other crafters had come up with like:  some filled with Aquarium Gravel or others filled with Beans or Lentils, or others that used Washers and Covered Buttons!  I loved the ideas of pattern weights, but one thing worried me - when I wasn't using them where would they be stored?  So I set my mind to the task and I love what I came up with and I hope you do too".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Hot Water Bottle Cover

Choose a material with some stretch for the body of this bag

Hot Water Bottle Cover Tutorial at Hootnz Blog

"My little girl was given a Mini Hot water bottle with a Dog cover when she was a baby....just a cheap thing, but it was the perfect size to warm her little body on cold nights, without the weight of a big Hottie.  And over the years, it got the nickname 'Hottie Dog'. But Hottie Dog very quickly, started to split its seams, and legs worked their way loose and so on....till now, where he's now just hanging together by a few lingering threads!

So that's where the idea of the Hottie Dog was born".... Read more

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Stretchy Button Ring

Easy and fun and even kids can do it

Ring Tutorial at Emerging Creatively Tutorials Blog

"This is a great quick and easy tutorial that you could even have the kids make!  It takes very little materials and no tools! Cut off some elastic cord.  Measure the amount you need to go around your finger and add a few inches on each side".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Secret Jewelry Box

Recycle an old book into a jewelry hideaway

Jewelry Box Tutorial at Make it Easy Crafts Blog

"When is a book not a book?  When it’s a box of course. Find an old book, add a few supplies and when you are done you will have a jewelry box where you can store all your secret or not so secret items".... Read more

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make Homemade Bubbles

Bubbles are better after a day in the refrigerator

Bubbles Tutorial at The Crafeteria Blog

"Once upon a time, not so long ago, it was summer. And with it came summer vacation. And it was hot. And mostly – there were 2 kids at home. And the kids were B-O-R-E-D. So mommy decided to try and find some activity that will last for more than a minute. And what do kids love? Bubbles, of course. The kids loved mommy's idea and played for almost half and hour. Mommy could drink her coffee quietly and was very very happy".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Bucket Stilts



Three materials and 10 minutes to make this toy

Bucket Stilts Tutorial at Home of Homemade Treasures Blog

"Here, it is the second week of school holidays. In my opinion, it is a great time to stock up on some easy and affordable activity/toy ideas to keep the little ones happily busy. Busy kids, happy parents! Stilt walking challenge will not only amaze your child(ren) during their school-free time but is sure to make a great party activity too".... Read more

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Hula Skirt for a Doll

Recycle a plastic grocery bag into a cute hula skirt

Hula Skirt Tutorial at Happier than a Pig in Mud Blog

"Aloha! This Barbie came with a bathing suit so I thought a Recycled Plastic Bag Hula Skirt would be a cute-free-quick craft. I like that kind.  And if you already have an elastic ponytail band to donate to the project it's even faster! This skirt just loves to blow in the wind".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Embroider a T-Shirt

3 free embroidery designs

Embroidery Tutorial at Untrendy Life Blog

"About 6 months ago I happened upon a blog I instantly loved.  Kati from Kate & Rose is a fellow Hungarian living in the US who also happens to sew, make jewelry and is very handy with needlework. I guess that's an understatement. She is a marvel when it comes to embroidery and reading her blog inspired me to take up my long neglected craft.  I bought her Roza blouse sewing pattern and dusted off my embroidery threads. It took me forever to come up with a design to put on the panel and I started to get nervous about my rusty embroidery skills. I knew I needed a smaller project first to boost my confidence. I grabbed 3 white shirts my little girl has to grow into and drew designs for them".... Read more

Monday, July 8, 2013

Tutorial - How to Make a Lavender Heart Sachet

Pretty hearts add a delicious fragrance to wardrobes, cupboards and drawers

  Heart Tutorial at Hope & Gloria Blog

"An online search of the healing properties of Lavender will show a surprising number of healing and therapeutic uses for this pretty plant. All I know is that it smells lovely and looks great in the garden throughout the Summer. We have a number of lavender plants in our garden at home (here they are!) and I am told that I need to wait until mid August before I can cut it and hang it up to dry for use when making gifts just in time for Christmas. In the meantime I have bough some dried lavender petals online - they are easily available to buy and also inexpensive".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Junk Mail Art

Download her free feather pattern to get started

Junk Mail Art Tutorial at Grow Creative Blog

"Ever wondered what you could possible do with all the piles of junk mail you get every week? .... besides throwing it away or sending it to the recycling bin, I mean.  I always notice the bright colors and think... I should make something with this. Well, I finally came up with something fun..... some Junk Mail Art!  Here's a little tutorial to get you started".... Read more

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Tutorial - How to Paint a Coconut Shell

She used her finished shell as a bowl

Coconut Tutorial at KK Arts and Crafts Blog

"My daughter is enjoying her summer holidays.  at times she is not interested in her regular games and so we are back to our craft work.  This time it is an art from waste - coconut shell painting.  It is very simple. Take a coconut shell and scrub the fiber around it and make the surface smooth by rubbing it with salt paper.( Children need our help to do this".... Read more

How to Refashion a Business Card Holder

Use an image of your choice to personalize a card holder

Card Holder Tutorial at Jewels of Sayuri Blog

"Recently When I wanted to attend a meeting I realized that I didn't have a decent business card holder. So  on my birthday, my mom presented me with a metal and leather business card card which she thought was decent, elegant and classy. No doubt that it was classy, but it was a little too bland for my taste. She was a little disappointed when I told her that I would have preferred something more artsy, reflecting my career as a designer and said that she would take it back. I felt really bad and told her that I'll upcycle it, so here what I did".... Read more