Duct Tape Rings

Materials Needed:
• Duct Tape
• scissors
• goo gone & rag (to clean your scissors)


*all three rings


*detail


*detail

This idea came to me last night while I was watching tv. I found a piece of Duct Tape I had placed on the coffee table (that is sometimes where the scrap Duct Tape ends up when I am working on my crafts) and I started folding it and thought it kind of looked like a ring since it was so small so then of course I had to make it into a ring (which ended up being a few rings). I used the same method as my Duct Tape headbands but smaller of course. The bow one is my favorite. It reminds me of that tying a string on your finger so that you don't forget something.

So to do this I grabbed the Duct Tape and measured it around my finger (another percise measurement). Then I cut it half lenthwise and placed one half on my coffee table and the other half I held it lengthwise and folded the bottom part up to the center and then folded the top down covering all the exposed sticky sides then I wrapped it around my finger and cut a tiny piece from my coffee table left overs and wrapped it around the open parts of the bent ring giving me a closed up ring.

Then I added the details. For the stripes I just cut tiny strips and placed them around the ring. When I did the bow I used the same method as making the ring but folded it into a bow and placed yellow tape around the center tightly to secure it to the ring as well as give it the center part of the bow. For the flower started off the same way as making the ring but instead of folding both the upper and lower sides down I just did the upper side and then while crunching it up together and wrapping it around itself (using the exposed sticky part to "glue" it together) I made a rose. Then to attach it I used tiny strips of Duct Tape (from my coffee table again) and wrapped it around in different directions until I felt it was secure.

T-Shirt Monstar Pot Holders

Materials Needed:
• old t-shirts or scrap material
• quilt batting
• sewing machine & thread
• needle & thread
• scissors




*close up


*close up

To make these fun little pot holders I grabbed some of my scrap t-shirt material and picked the one I wanted for the background and cut out a "square" (no exact measurements again). I used that first one I cut out as a template to cut out another of the same fabric and 2 of a different fabric for the back. Next, using my template, I cut out some quilt batting the same size (you will need at least 2, I used 4 because I wanted mine to be well insulated). I machine sewed the bating to the fabric, right side of fabric out. I did this for the other 3 sides as well. Then I took my 2 front pieces and cut out shapes from my other scrap t-shirt material and made my monstar on top. When I got it the way I wanted it I hand stitched the monstar onto the top fabric and top batting. When I was finished I put the monstar facing down on top of the back piece facing up (right sides together) and stitched with my machine all the way around leaving a large gap to flip it inside out. The first time I didn't leave enough space to flip it forgetting how bulky it would be with the 2 layers of batting so I had to seam rip it and re-sew. Then once it was flipped inside out I hand sewed it shut.

Duct Tape Monstar Bookmark

Materials Needed:
• Duct Tape
• craft knife
• self healing cutting board
• paper & pencil


* front & back

This project is similar to the Duct Tape Monstar Coaster project I did earlier, only this time I made a cut out book mark that I so often find myself needing.

Once again I recommend the self healing cutting board this way you can stick the duct tape down and cut the shape you need with your craft knife.

To start I sketched out the design keeping it more vertical than horizontal. Then I used that to make some templates out of paper. Then I grabbed the color of Duct Tape I wanted to be my background and taped down a few strips overlapping about the width and height of how I wanted the book mark to be then I flipped it over and taped the other side so that I was left with the colored Duct Tape showing on both sides. Then I took the colors I wanted the body of my monstar to be and placed it down on the self healing cutting board and placed my template on top and cut out the monstars body. Then I peeled it up and placed it on the background piece. I continued this method until I had the entire front of the monstar done. Then I cut out around the entire monstar.

Once he was cut out I then turned it around and prepared to do the back side of my monstar. I started the same why by putting the Duct Tape down on the self healing cutting board but when I got to the template part I flipped it over to the wrong side facing up. Then I cut out my shapes and placed them on the back side of the background. Now my monstar is ready to snuggle up with a nice good book.

Scented & Colored Epsom Salts w/ Etched Glass Jar

Materials Needed:
• glass jar
• Epsom salts
• soap dyes
• soap scents
• decorative bow
• vinyl contact paper
• etching cream
• craft knife




* detail of etching

This is a simple project that makes a great gift.

To start I cleaned the jar thoroughly and placed the vinyl contact paper on top and drew what I wanted to etch into the glass (ie. the heart in the close up photo). Then I got my craft knife and cut out the parts that I wanted to be etched and brushed on my etching cream. I waited the amount of time indicated on the instructions and then rinsed it thoroughly in warm water and then peeled the vinyl contact off and cleaned it again.

Once it was dried I put the Epsom salts inside (not filling it too much) and put a few drops (about 10 for the size I used) of both the sent (Japanese lotus blossom) and the color (I started with green). Then I stirred it until the color looked pretty mixed in then I added more Epsom salts and more color (this time I added blue to give it a sort of tie-dyed effect). Then I closed the jar and shook it around stirring the colors. Then to finish it off I tied a bow around the neck of the jar and now it is a perfect gift to give. And what is nice is that when the Epsom salts are gone you can put a candle inside the jar and the etching takes on a whole new life.

Scrap T-Shirt Rings

Materials Needed:
• scrap t-shirt material (or any material that will not unravel)
• beads
• needle & thread
• hot glue
• googly eye





So this idea came from having a bunch of tiny scraps and wanted to use them. All I did was grab a thin long strip of t-shirt and put around my finger and tied a double knot. Then I wrapped the rest of the material around the knot and took a straight pin and pinned it into place. Next I grabbed my needle & thread and started it going up through one of the overlapped areas. Once I was up through the material I placed a bead or 2 on top of the needle and went back down into the material. I did this all the way around the ring until I had a beaded area. Next I heated up my glue gun and got a googly eye then glued it right onto the top. Now I have a googly eye bling ring.

Picture Frame

Materials Needed:
• picture frame
• scrap pieces of paper
• Mod Podge
• vinyl contact paper
• etching cream
• silk flowers
• rhinestones
• craft knife
• 2 photos
• cardboard
• hot glue & hot glue gun



This is a frame I made for my little sis who is going to camp for 3 weeks. I wanted it to be fun and funky and several layers. I bought a frame that was simple but had a 3-dimensional quality since I had planned to make it with layers. Then I grabbed my scrap pieces of paper and Mod Podge and decoupaged the frame (I took out the glass and mat board and back piece off). On the back area where the back piece would fit in I tried to keep any paper and Mod Podge off of it (it didn't work out to well but I will get to that).

While I waited for the sides to dry I got the glass and cleaned it thoroughly and then placed the vinyl contact paper on top of the glass where I wanted to etch the glass (it's a bit hard to see all the etching in the photo above but it adds a nice frosted layer to the frame). When they vinyl contact paper was in place and the bubbles smoothed out I drew a leaf vine type design on 2 of the corners and then got my craft knife and cut out the design. Next I got the etching cream and brushed it on according to the instructions and waited the directed amount of time. Then I rinsed it off thoroughly in warm water and took the stencil off then cleaned the glass again.

When the frame was dried I placed the etched glass into the frame. Then I printed out the photos I wanted to use. One for the foreground cut out collage style and black and white and the other to be the main picture. Then I figured out where I wanted the front picture to be placed and hot glued cardboard behind it to make it more 3-dimensional.

Once the pictures were in place I put the back of the frame on, which as you know I had some issues with- I guess some Mod Podge or paper got into the spot or something. So I grabbed my craft knife and trimmed the back board to fit into the frame snugly.

Once that was all done I hot glued little purple bows and some of those silk flowers I have lying around and rhinestones on top. Now she will have a nice handmade picture frame to bring with her to camp.

Duct Tape Monstar Coasters

Materials Needed:
• duct tape
• craft knife
• scissors
• self-healing cutting board



Duct tape is always a fun medium. For this project I highly recommend working on a self healing cutting board because you can stick the duct tape down on it to cut it and peel it off easily.

To start I got my self healing cutting board and taped strips of one color of the duct tape to make the background once I had one side down I flipped it over and placed strips of the same color down but in the opposite direction (ie. if you laid your first ones down horizontally the other side was laid down vertically giving it a more secured base). When I had a big enough area covered in duct tape front and back I cut out a square (this would be the size of the final coaster). Once that was done I created my monstars using by laying down a few strips of color for the monstar base and then I cut it out to the shape I wanted. Then I placed it on top of the square and trimmed off any that wasn't on the square. Then I added a duct tape boarder in a different color. To do this I just laid out a piece of duct tape and cut it in half length wise, then taped it on the sides and folded it over to the back. Then I would tape down a piece of the desired color and cut out little details that I wanted to add.

What is nice about working with duct tape- if you place something and want to change it you can easily pick it up and move it.

Super Simple Pocket Notebook

Materials Needed:
• thin cardboard
• decorative paper
• hole punch
• paper of your choice for inside
• glue
• ribbon
• sticker or other decorations (optional)


* front


* back

So this little pocket notebook is a really easy one to make. I just grabbed some thin cardboard laying around and cut it to the size I wanted my notebook to be. Then I cut out an exact replica so I have 2 pieces of thin cardboard for front and back of my book. Next I got my decorative paper and glued it onto each piece of cardboard separately. I trimmed around the edges so that I had enough to fold over but not too much so that it would be bulky. Then I folded it over to the other side and glued it down. Then I grabbed a piece of plain colored paper and folded the edges to be just short of my original measurements and then folded it the other way and gently tore where I folded it (giving me a nice deckle edge). Then I glued that onto the inside cover (do this twice so you have a front and back piece). Next I got my hole punch and punched 2 holes in it where I wanted them.

Then I cut out my writing/drawing paper to be the size of my cardboard and punched holes in it using my covers as a template to match the holes. I grabbed some next and threaded it through the holes and tied a few knots. Finally I added a thick glittery heart sticker on top. You can decorate however you want or even leave it plain and draw on it as you go.

Felt Robot Monstar

Materials Needed:
• felt (assorted colors)
• embroidery needle
• embroidery thread
• googly eyes
• fiber fill
• hot glue & hot glue gun



To make this little robot monstar I started off with a sheet of light blue felt and a darker blue felt (for the back of this monstar). I drew the shape of the monstar that I wanted and then cut out both the light blue and dark blue felt giving me 2 of the same shape pieces. Next I placed the mouth and heart on and sewed them to the front of the light blue felt.

Then I grab both the light blue felt cutout and the darker blue felt cut out and I put them wrong sides together (right sides facing out). Then I got white embroidery thread and my embroidery needle and did a blanket stitch all around the robot, stuffing it with fiber fill as I went (you may need a chopstick to push fiber fill into smaller areas). When I finished sewing all the way around I got 2 different sized googly eyes and hot glued them on. Voila a cute little robot monstar!

T-Shirt Pillow

Materials Needed:
• T-shirts
• pillow form or fiber fill
• sewing machine & thread
• hand needle & thread
• scrap fleece


*front


*back w/ pocket

Another craft made from my little sis' old tees...a pillow. It's super easy and a great gift or a great way to add some fun to your couch or bed.

First I went to the craft store and bought a pillow form the size that I wanted (I chose a 14 x 14 in. pillow). Then I grabbed an old t-shirt and measured it out (one of the few times I measure). The shirt was too small to fit the 14 x 14 pillow so I cut it out as big as I could 12 x 12 in. Next I took a few scraps of t-shirt from the purse project and measured out borders to go around the center piece. Then I sewed one side of the border on and then the opposite, once they were sewn I trimmed them down to measure 14.5 in. across (it is 14.5 because I need 1/4 in seam allowance on both sides). Next I took my other 2 side pieces and sewed them on and trimmed them to measure 14.5 in across.

Once that side was done I used it as my "template" for the other side which I wanted to be a bit more angled and fun and not so straight forward. So I just took 3 strips of fabric from 3 different shirts and sewed them at angles. Then I took my "template" and placed it on top right sides together and trimmed them to match. Then I went to the sewing machine and stitched up the 3 sides leaving the last side open to put the pillow in. (If you chose not to use the pillow form than I would sew up most of the 4th side leaving a space big enough for your hand to fit through).

Next I took my scrap fleece in red and cut out a pocket for the pillow (I really like pockets in pillows and blankets). Then I hand stitched it on using a back stitch, I stitched the top of the pocket but didn't stitch it to the pillow, I just wanted it to look more finished. Then I placed the pillow form inside and stitched up the bottom by hand using a slip stitch. Now I have a new pillow!

Silk Flower Earrings

Materials Needed:
• silk flowers
• beads
• earring hooks (2)
• flat jewelry head pins (8)
• needle nose pliers




*detail

After all of the projects I have used these flowers in I had 2 lonely little flowers left, the first thing that came to mind was to make earrings out of them.

It is a very simple project I just took a medium sized circular bead and placed it on a flat head pin and then placed my silk flower and then a few green beads (for the "stem"). To close the head pin I grabbed my needle nose pliers and bent it into a circle trimming any extra head pin that wasn't needed. Before it was completely closed I looped it onto the hole on the earring hook.

Next I took some different green beads to make my "leaves" with. I got one of my flat head pins and slid on 2 or 3 beads and then closed it up like I did with the flower one. I did that 3 times so my flower ends up with 3 "leaves". Once that was done I had one earring so I repeated it and made the other.

Reversible T-Shirt Purse

Materials Needed:
• T-shirts (I used 9 but I think you could do this with 2 or 3)
• Sewing machine & thread
• 2 buttons (optional)
• needle and thread (optional)


*one side front & back


*the other side front & back


*strap detail

Recently my little sis cleaned out her closet and I snatched all of her awesome t-shirts (I just imagined all the fun things I could make). This t-shirt purse is my first project using those old t's. I didn't use a pattern and it is pretty thrown together but I would rate this project intermediate.

To start I grabbed the 3 different shirts that I wanted to be the one side and I grabbed my scissors and cut out how big I wanted my bag to be out of the green and brown t-shirt then I took the blue shirt and cut it out the same width and then cut out the height I wanted it to be (which ended up being a little less than half the height). This will also be my "template" for the patched side.

Next I took about 6 other t-shirts and cut out strips of their decorated sides and sewed them together side by side until I had enough to make the front and back of the purse. Then I took some scraps and cut out a couple of strips for the flap of the purse and sewed them together. Then I placed my original shirts on top of my stitched up ones and cut it down to size (great measuring I know). Once this was done I sewed up the sides and bottoms of my 2 purses and then I grabbed a small thin scrap (to be the button hole) and pinned it to the flaps (facing in- so when I flipped it inside out it would be showing on the right side; my flaps are right sides together) then I sewed the 2 flaps together (I would say if I did this again I would have sewn the tops onto the flaps first but I sewed them on later). Then I folded the top of the bag down about 1/4 in. and ironed it (I did this to both bag (not flap) pieces).

Next I made the strap. I used the extra pieces I had from cutting off the excess from the patched side and just sewed them together with a bunch of curvy and straight lines. To get the different colors I made my bobbin thread blue and my top thread yellow and flipped it over to get both the stitch colors on each side.

Then I took placed the patched purse inside of the solid purse wrong sides together and pinned it. Then I placed my straps inside the 2 pieces (the patched and the solid purses) and also put the flap inside the 2 pieces (again if I were re-doing this I would have those sewn on already). Then I stitched it all together (stitches showing) and then flipped it over and stitched another line as well (just for good measure and to make both the yellow and blue thread show).

Finally I placed a button where it should lay according to my button hole sewn onto the flap, and I put the needle through. Once it was on the other side I grabbed another button (it's reversible so we have to have one on the other side) and placed the needle through one of the holes and then I continued to stitch both buttons on. Now I can turn it either way and I have a fun new bag!

Embellished Tank

Materials Needed:
• tank top (or shirt or skirt or pants or anything you want to embellish)
• silk flowers
• small beads
• needle & thread




*detail

During summer in the South, tank tops are essential and I own a ton of tank tops in a variety of colors but all of them are plain, which is fine for relaxing at home but sometimes I want to go out somewhere nicer but still want to wear one of my comfy tanks. This is why I decided to sew on some flowers to one of my many grey tank tops.

To start this project, I grabbed a handful of silk flowers (left over from a friends wedding) and took off the stems and the center pieces and was left with just the flower and no plastic parts. Then I matched up a few flowers together and positioned them in many places on the tank finding what I liked most and then marked it. Next I took my needle and thread and went up from the back of the fabric to the top, placed the flower petals on for the first flower and added a small bead then took my needle and thread back down and repeated that for 3 beads. Then I did that to both of the other flowers. Now I have a new top. Super simple and now I have a dresser but still comfy tank.

Hand Monstar Puppet

Materials Needed:
• fleece (3 different colors)
• yarn
• googly snap on eyes
• fiber fill
• sewing machine & thread
• sewing needle & thread


* front


* back


* action shots

My brother's birthday is coming up and he wrote me asking if I would make him a puppet for his birthday. He asked for a moving mouth (most important he said), arms and something about wires (I didn't add wires-hope it works out ok for him). Having never made a puppet before (minus maybe a brown lunch bag puppet when I was a child) I really had no idea where to start. So I went searching on line and ended up finding a cool make your own monster puppet which looked really awesome so I ordered one for him and thought it would be a fun thing for him and his daughter to do together. Finished...or so I thought. But the idea kept spinning in my head how would I make a puppet; where would I start. So after many days of thinking it this is what I came up with.

First, I took the blue fleece and doubled it onto itself and drew the basic shape of my hand with my thumb tucked in, then I cut it out about a 1/2 in. on all sides (for sewing and for extra fabric inside).Now I had 2 pieces of the same shape. Then I took one of those pieces and figured out where the top of my thumb would hit and I marked it and then giving about 1/2 in. extra I cut it out following the same curve I had before. Then I took my two blue pieces and lined them up on top of each other and figured out where it would open for his mouth. Next I got my red fleece and cut out the mouth using the blue pieces open as a template (I am one of those "eye ball it" type crafters- no exact measurements here).

Once that was all cut, I went back to my blue fleece (doubled up again) and cut 2 crude arms with "hands" (just the area where his hands are gets bigger). Now I had 4 arms (2 fronts and back) and then I took it all to my sewing machine.

First, I took the arms and pinned them front to back and sewed them on the sides and hand area leaving the bottom un-sewn so I could stuff it. After both were sewn I then stuffed them with the fiber fill. Next, I pinned the 2 blue pieces together and then I pinned the arm in (I started with just one side than I did the other). With the arm I had to make sure it was tucked into the middle of the blue fleece so that when it was done being sewn and turned inside out his hands would be showing,(if I had them facing out then when I turned it inside out it would be on the inside). Then I stopped pinning where the mouth would start (telling me to stop sewing). I sewed one side then the other (pinning the next arm once I had finished the first side). Now I was left with the mouth I pinned it on and sewed it up.

Next, I flipped him inside out and got my goggly snap on eyes and placed them where I thought looked right, once I found that place I marked it and then cut a tiny slit into it, slid my eye in and snaped on the back part. Next I got some scrap yarn and took it and wrapped it around my hand several times. Once I got enough "hair" I took it off my hand and cut it in half then I took my needle and thread and hand stitched it onto his head when he had his hair finished I gave him a hair cut, mainly cutting any that were a lot longer than the rest. Lastly, I cut out an orange tounge and hand sewed it into the mouth using a slip stitch.

Once it was finished I had to of course play with it to test it out. It isn't the best puppet in the world but it was simple to make and lots of fun to play with. Reminds me a lot of The Muppets or Fraggle Rock.

Embellished Work Apron

Materials Needed:
• apron
• computer
• Dark t-shirt transfers (I use Avery Ink Jet Dark T-shirt Transfer paper- I like theirs the best- plus I have an ink jet)
• printer
• silk flowers
• thread & needle
• beads




*detail

This project came along because I really needed an apron. I am always doing messy crafts and never fail to get it all over my clothes, so instead of having to change clothes I decided an apron was the way to go. So I bought a cheap all black apron and decided to embellish it with a few touches.

First I found some silk flowers that I had from a table decoration that was at my friends wedding and I thought I would like to sew them onto the sides of the pockets (it felt more magical that way). So I took the flowers apart. Taking the stems off and then popping apart the middle part of the flower and was left with petals with a hole in the center. To attach these I got some thread and knotted it then started from inside the pocket and brought my needle up then I placed 2 set of petals through the needle and then a small bead then brought my needle back through the other side then went back up and placed another bead and did that until I had 3 or more beads for the center of the flower.

Next I went to my computer and drew up a monstar for the pocket (he is supposed to be a helper monstar handing me glue, pencil, scissors, paint brush- you know whatever I need :) Then I also made some text that spelled out Monstar Maker and then once that was all designed I printed it out on a quality print setting.

Once it was printed I cut out my designs leaving a white boarder around my little monstar helper. The text already had a white box around it so I just cut out the box. Then I took my monstar and placed him where I wanted him and ironed him on according to the directions from the transfer paper and then did the same for the letters. Now this didn't come out perfect but I still wanted to post it. I think either the iron was set too high or the fabric dye maybe came through the iron on so it has a sort of dirty look to it but I figure it is just gonna get dirty anyway but it was a fun and simple project and now I have a handy dandy work apron!

Recycled Paper Mache Vase

Materials needed:
• empty plastic container (I used my old Mod Podge bottle)
• newspaper
• white glue
• water
• paint
• hot glue (optional
• googly eyes (optional)



This idea came from my Ready Made Magazine this month. They made paper mache vases out of old plastic containers. I of course wanted to make my own so I decided to make a monstar case.

To start this project I cleaned out my Mod Podge container getting all the gunk out and taking the label off and using some Goo Gone to get rid of the sticky parts. Once it was washed and dried I made a bowl of 50/50 white glue and water mixture and tore my news paper into strips. Then I dipped the newspaper stripes into the glue/water mixture and placed the strips around covering the whole area. Once completely covered I let it dry.

Once it was dry I got my stripes of newspaper and bunched it up to make a nose. Then I used small stripes of the glue/water covered news paper and placed it over the nose until it was well connected to the bottle. I did this for the mouth and the nose and mouth on the other side (it's a 2 headed monstar). Then I let it dry for a long time (the bunched up part takes longer to dry but you want it completely dry before painting to avoid mildew).

Once it was dry I painted a white base coat of acrylic all over and then once that was dry I painted the vase how I wanted it and then when that was dry painted a layer of Mod Podge. When all of that was dry I hot glued googly eyes on it.

You really can have as much fun as you want with this. Paint it one color or paint a picture, add embellishments like ribbon, glitter, jewels, wire, shells, whatever really.

Recycled Jar Lid Collage

Materials needed:
• jar lid (mine had about a 3 in. diameter)
• Mod Podge
• paint brush
• scrap paper
• scrap ribbon
• scrap felt
• photo (I printed mine out after resizing it to fit into the 3 in. jar lid)
• cardboard scraps
• glue on jewels
• hot glue




This idea sort of came to me after finding this lids that I had saved to one day do a craft project with (that was like 3 years ago) and so I decided it was time to use them. At first I just Mod Podged the pictures in and painted the Mod Podge on top and added some of the jewels. It looked alright but I wanted to add an element of fun to it, so I went back to the drawing board and came up with the idea of a 3-D collage lid.

First, I got a picture of my husband and I at our wedding and printed it out (sized to fit my 3 in. diameter). Then I traced the lid onto a sheet of scrap paper and cut a circle out (cutting inside the edge a bit so that it would fit). I did this to the polka dot paper and the pink tree paper-both being cut into circles. Then I put the polka dot one for the background in the lid and used Mod Podge all over. Then I took my pink paper and drew a tree shape on the back side and cut it out. Then I used the Mod Podge and placed the tree inside the lid.

Next I took the photo and cut out the background and cut the bottom into a circular shape to fit the lid. I glued the photo to a scrap piece of cardboard and then hot glued it into the lid. Then I cut out a heart out of some orange scrap paper and painted some glitter on it then glued some thinner cardboard to it and glued it behind out heads. Then I got some glue on jewels and made little blossoms for the tree.

Then I got some scrap ribbons and took a white one with wire and scrunched it around the back hot gluing as I went. Next I took a thin ribbon and glues it on the edges of the lid. To finish the back I cut out a felt circle and hot glued it to the back of the lid.

I am not sure yet what this will be but it can be a magnet by gluing a magnet on or I may hang a piece of ribbon from it and make it a hanging picture or an ornament for our tree this year. Not sure yet but there are a few possibilities for sure.

Decoupage Box

Materials needed:
• box
• scrap paper
• Mod Podge
• paint brush/sponge brush



This project came about yesterday morning when I picked up a box of my stamps and it fell apart. I decided to decoupage it using some old scraps of paper left over from a scrap book I made my little sis and news paper.

First, I cut the box top off (I used a shoe box that had a flip top-some have a removable top and then of course you don't have to cut it off) and then I proceeded to paint the Mod Podge on a small area and then placed scraps of paper down and brushed the Mod Podge on top. (I really love Mod Podge- it's a glue and a sealant!) I continued doing this until the whole bottom and top of the box were covered (I included a piece with stamps stamped out on it to let me know what was in the box). When it was all dry I took some book binding tape (I had some but if you don't you can use duct tape) and taped the top back on. I did it this way because when I try to leave the top on it inevitably seems to get so thick on the hinge I can't shut it. Then it was finished and I could place my stamps inside their new sturdy box. What is great about this box is that if I decided to change the contents I can just make a new piece with the content title and use my Mod Podge on it and voila- a new box.

Sock Monkey or Sock Monstar

Materials needed:
• pair of socks (or more)
• sewing machine & thread (or hand sew)
• buttons, googly eyes, felt, embroidery thread (for details)
• fiberfill
• chop stick (or long thin object to stuff arms and legs with)







So who doesn't wonder what to make with a pair of socks? The top 2 pictures is of my version of a sock monkey I made for my husband- this was the very first thing I made of socks! The bottom photo is one of my sock monstars (this is my little sis'). I got the idea for sock monstars from a book my big sis got me called Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks (great book for the know how and creativity inspiration).

Sock Monkey How To:
To start the sock monkey I chose my socks (I got a pair of long socks because I wanted this monkey to be able to hug my husband tight) then I laid it out with the heel side down and flattened it out the best I could. Then I cut a line in the center of the leg part of the sock from the part where you put your foot in to until about an 1.5 inches from the heel of the legs to create the legs. Once they were cut I went to the sewing machine and flipped it inside out then stitched the bottom of his legs and then up the inside of his legs leaving the crotch area to flip and stuff the monkey with.

Once his legs were sewn, I flipped the monkey inside out and I got some fiber fill and filled in the monkey (legs first- using a chopstick to stuff it into the bottom). Then stitched his crotch up using a slip stitch.

Next I got the other sock and cut off the heel (for his mouth) and 2 arms (the same way you did his feet) and then cut out 2 sets of ear shapes (4 total because your sock will have 2 layers you cut at once).

For the arms I sewed them inside out leaving one side open to stuff and sew to the monkey. For the ears (there are 2 so you will do this twice) I sewed them inside out all the way around leaving one side open so I could stuff it a bit and sew it onto the monkey head.

Once I had my arms ready I turned them right sides out and stuffed it using a chop stick and folded it under on the sides then did a quick hand stitch just to help it stay then placed it on the monkey and did a slip stitch around the arm twice securing it to the body. I did it again for the other arm.

Next I added the mouth (the heel part of the second sock). Here I folded over a small edge all the way around and flattened it then placed it where I wanted and did a slip stitch around it stopping with enough room to stuff his mouth then I finished sewing it up. Then I went to the ears and stuff them a little bit and again folded a small part all the way around and slip stitched it onto the monkey head. Then I got my embroidery thread and made a quick mouth crease by coming from one side to the other and then tying it off. Lastly I added black buttons for eyes (you can of course use anything you want- googly eyes, felt...ect).

Sock Monstar How To:
To create the sock monstar you use the same principles as the monkey but with a lot more creativity! Here instead of using the toe part of the sock for a head I cut it into a diagonal giving it more attitude (in my opinion at least). Also instead of leaving the heel of the first sock on the back I used it on the front and made it into a sewn down mouth (this came from the book: Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks) and I added a pink felt tounge sticking out. Then I did the arms the same as the sock monkey arms I just used different socks to make them. For the eyes I used googly eyes but I sewed them to a patch of hot pink felt that was eye liner and lashes for this girly monstar. Lastly I added some white felt wings so this monstar could fly. What is just so great about this is that you can pretty much do anything. I have added tails big heads, teeth, clothing, all kinds of stuff. It is just so much fun and not too difficult either.

Recycled Scrap T-Shirt Monstars

Materials needed:
• scrap material
• snap on eyes (available at craft stores)
• sewing machine (optional- can be hand sewn) & thread
• felt (optional for details- you could also use fabric paint or embroider details)
• yarn (optional for hair or other details)
• ribbon (optional for details)






Another super simple and fun project to do with some scrap pieces of fabric!

I made the top one out of scraps from my little sister's t-shirt purse I made her (the t-shirts were one's that she no longer fit in). The bottom one was just some scrap material I had lying around.

The idea is simple. I quickly drew a random shape and cut out 2 from either the same fabric (like in my second one) or different fabrics (like in the first one) and sewed all around the edges leaving a small space to flip it inside out. Once it was sewed clip around the curves (I normally clip the edges a lot when working with t-shirt material because it won't unravel). Then I flipped it inside out.

Next I added face details. With these 2 monstars I made felt mouths (including teeth on the bottom monstar) and then I got these plastic snap on eyes that you can get then at fabric and craft stores (what I love about these is they are super simple but instantly give it some personality). To attach the eyes you simply cut a small slice where you want them to go and then place the top of the eye through the hole and then using your opening on the bottom put your bottom eye attachment on to snap tight and keep the eye in place. You can also use buttons or felt or whatever you have lying around that would work for your monstar (that is one thing I love about making monstars is that no one knows what they are supposed to look like so you can make them look like whatever!)

After the face is done you can add little details like a belly, hair (on my bottom monstar), bow (on my top monstar) or whatever (again open to your interpretation). To make the hair I used some scrap yarn I had and cut it into longish stripes then sewed it down, when that was done I gave him a hair cut and styled it short and punky! For the belly I just sewed on a felt oval shape, The bow was a scrap piece of ribbon that I tied and then hand stitched on.

Once all the details are done I stuffed it using fiber fill (you can also use scrap material or whatever is soft and fluffy and you have lying around. Fill your monstar up and then sew it shut using a slip stitch. Now you can cuddle with your cute little homemade monstar!

Recycled T-Shirt Baby Quilt

Materials needed:
• 6-12 old t-shirts (or scrap material)
• sewing machine & thread
• embroidery thread
• batting (or old sheet or fabric)
• scrap fabric for borders
• yard or so of fabric for back
• patches (optional)
• felt (optional)
• yarn (optional)




close up view

I am one of those people who feels emotionally attached to my clothing, so I always had a hard time cleaning out my closet when the time came. Even though things wouldn't fit I just couldn't help but wanting to keep them because inevitably they reminded me of some time in my life. So instead of letting them just sit in my closet and never see the light of day I decided to make my husband and I a quilt out of them. The original one is a huge and it took me 2 years to finish (note: I worked on it on and off for the 2 years mainly waiting to collect enough old clothes in the process but I think if I was diligent on it and had all the scraps I needed it would have taken me about 4 months).

This one above took me about 3 days. It is a small version that I made for my little Zoe, while I was pregnant. I really loved the idea that she would sleep with our shirts and smell and be "protected" by us. I have made this baby blanket sized quilt a few other times and don't find it to be too hard to do with a little time and patience.

To start I gathered scraps of t-shirts from our other quilt but chances are you don't have that so you can either use scrap material you have or just gather 6-12 t-shirts that you no longer wear any more but have some attachment to. Then I got a piece of scrap foam board (anything thing and sturdy will do I used it as my template) I measured out how big I wanted the squares. In this one above there are 2 different sizes a smaller square and a larger one. I made the smaller ones 1/2 the size of the larger one and added a 1/4 in seam allowance (meaning the bigger one was 8.5 in sq and the smaller one then would be 4.25 in sq plus the 1/4 in for the seam allowance giving me 4.5 in sq). . Another great idea I have seen is that you just cut long strips and sew them together which gives it a fun stripy look. You of course can do just about anything you want- shapes, colors, whatever you can think of.

So after making my templates I grabbed my shirts and placed the template right on top and then used my rotary cutter and cut around the template (you can also mark it with sewing pencils or chalk and then cut on your line). Once I had enough to lay it down (the total size of my quilt with out the border was 27.5 in x 36.5) I laid out the pieces the way they looked best to me. I just did a simple pattern here of a big square, 4 small squares, big square, 4 sm. sq. across and then switched it for the next row and made it 4 sm sq, big sq, 4 sm sq, big square and again for the next row I switched it back. Ending with 4 rows across and 4 rows down (and a row I count as the size of my big square).

Once they are in position the way I like them I take one section of the 4 sm sq and sew those together to make a piece that is as big as my bg sq. I do this for all my sm sq until they are all in big pieces. Then I pin my first row together and sew it. Then I take my second row and sew it and then the third row and sew it. Then I pin the first row to the second row and sew and then that piece gets pinned to the 3rd row and I sew it.

Once that whole center piece is done I then find a scrap fabric to make a border on my edges (normally this means it will be a mix of colors but you can of course finish it off with the same color and fabric or whatever is easiest for you). For the border on this one I used 2 inches thick of material and sewed it to my shorter sides all the way up. Then I trimmed off the excess material (I didn't do any measuring lengthwise because when I do I inevitably end up with miss matched pieces in the bad way- this is how I avoid any problems). I did the same to the other short side (I did this so my sides would look the same but you can just work your way around if you want- going from short side to long side to short side to long side or if you know how you can even make diagonal cornors). Once the 2 short sides were done I did the long sides.

When your border is finished I then added a little batting. I used the batting (from the fabric store) I had left over from my other quilt but if you want you can also use old sheets or old curtians- whatever. Then I laid the quilt onto the batting with the quilt facing up. I smoothed it out and pined it using quilt safety pins. The reason I use those is because they don't rust out in time and this project can take a while (like my 2 year quilt). Then I trimmed it down to about the edge of my borders just to make it easier to work with.

Next I got embroidery thread (leaving it as 6 strands but you can make it as thick as you want) and did a simple stitch around where I sewed my t-shirts together, sewing the t-shirts to the batting. I loved doing this chunky hand stitch because it really looks hand done and has a quirkiness about it.

Once I sewed all of my squares to the backing I then trimmed down the batting about 1/2 in from the edge of the border all the way around (I leave it on at first just in case I pull on the batting and end up too short on one side). Then I added my monstar and dragonfly. To do the monstar I just cut the shapes out of felt and fleece remnants I had and then hand stitched it to my quilt before finishing it off I got a little bit of fiber fill and stuffed it making it 3-D but plush still. Then I got some patches (a dragonfly and flower) and hand sewed them on.

When the decorating is done I got a large section of scrap fabric (it measured over the final size of my quilt) from my other quilt or you can buy about a yard of a soft fabric (measure your final piece and make sure to get enough fabric for your piece) or just sew a couple of larger scraps together. Then I pinned it with right sides together and started sewing starting the edges together leaving an opening for me to flip it inside out.

Once sewed I trimmed the corners so they would lie flat and then flipped it inside out. Then I pinned the border down and sewed (stitch showing) around my border close to the t-shirt part. This helps it attach to the back piece of fabric better. Then I hand stitched my opening closed using a simple slip stitch and it was finished. If you are making a larger quilt I recommend getting some scrap yarn and sewing little knots on the corners of your squares to tie them to the fabric below. On the small quilt this doesn't matter as much but the larger the quilt the more stability you need to keep the 2 pieces from sliding around.

Hand Embroidered Card

Materials needed:
• blank cards and envelopes
• needle
• embroidery thread
• awl (optional)
• scrap paper










So this is a project I did a while back but I still really like it. I love to embroider and came up with an idea to embroider a greeting card.

To do this project I got a set of blank cards and envelopes. I then drew out a picture on a piece of scrap paper and used a awl (you can also use any sort of sharp pointed object) to poke holes around my image where I wanted to embroider. Then I got my embroidery thread (color of your choice) cut it fairly long and then pulled out 2 of the threads (they normally come in 6 thread strands). Then I made my knot and started embroidering with a simple back stitch and went around my pattern. Then tied it off with a knot again and trimmed the string. It was pretty simple and the back even looks good since you have holes to follow so it keeps it clean. For a really simple project you can even take it to your sewing machine and just sew fun lines all over with a fun thread and finish it by trimming the thread or even let it fly free.

Duct Tape Headands

Materials needed:
• duct tape (any color or colors of your choice)
• headband
• craft knife
• scissors
• goo-gone (optional but I recommend this to keep your scissors and craft knife from getting gooped up)

Duct tape is always fun to work with. I have made wallets and purses but one day I decided to make a head band. I got an old one and ripped off the ribbon and covered it with duct tape. It was bright green with white roses. I gave it to my little niece and when she wore it to school all of her teachers wanted to know where she got it. So I was inspired to make more.

To do this project I ordered blank headbands online but you can also use old ones or buy a cheap one and revamp it.

I got multiple colors of duct tape (black, white, silver of course, pink, teal, green, orange, purple- I have seen other cool ones as well but I went with the solid colors that I could find).

To start this project I just jumped in and learned along the way the best way to go about it. I will try to share some of my tricks here and hopefully you will understand.

First I pulled a long piece of duct tape off the roll and stuck it to the headband underneath area. Then I snipped the corners off and placed little slits all around on the tape that overlapped the headband so I could lay it flat onto the headband. Then I taped those little overlapped parts down on the top. Next I got another big piece I placed on the top and did the same overlapping it to the bottom part. Then I added details such as stripes (which I did by ripping the duct tape into thin strips and positioning them on), bows (I find the best way is to fold down a little more than 1/3 and then fold in the other side so that no sticky side is showing, then I would take a small skinny piece of duct tape and tape it over for the middle part or I would just tie it into a bow), or flowers (again fold down 1/3 towards the sticky side and then I round off the corner I am starting with and then start twisting it up "fluffing" the sides as I go), and leaves (here I just place 2 pieces of duct tape on top of each other sticky sides together and cut out a leaf shape) then use duct tape to tape it together and then you have a stylish fun headband! (Props to my little sis for being my beautiful model).