Another Use for Jeans

I was browsing around the internet the other day, and I came across this tutorial that totally blew my mind.  Check it out here at HOME MAKER, it’s for making a basket with old jeans.

She cut off all the seams from two pairs of jeans to make an adorable basket for Easter.  When I saw it I was like “wow!”, of all the things to make with jeans, I would have never thought of baskets.

I so want to make one eventually.  It would be so cool, baskets are great in warmer weather for picnics and the beach, etc.  Who knows, it might end up on my next list, just try to pretend to be surprised about it.

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Sock Couture, The Swim Suit Edition

Several months ago, I found a project for making a one piece swimsuit for a doll using a sock in a book called Things to Make for Your Doll by Kathy Ross.  It didn’t specifically say so, but I think all the projects were intended for 18 inch dolls (i.e. American Girl) and not 11 1/2 inch, but I still thought it was a good idea.  I guess I’m really getting into making doll clothes from socks, at least since the dress (see Sock Couture). 



For a smaller version, I used one of my niece’s outgrown socks.  It was just the right size to make this vintage looking one piece suit. 

I just had to cut off the cuff and slide it on her, then pin it and stitch at the bottom.  Of course I did take it off her to sew it, it would have been a pain to sew otherwise.  Looks pretty good, and it would make an adorable romper too.



And since I had some scraps leftover, I started to play around with them and accidentally made this two piece swim suit as well.  Again not bad for an old sock, almost wish I could find a giant size sock to make one for myself, almost.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Five down, four to go.  The next few may take some time to accomplish.

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It’s Covered

I really needed a new case for my netbook, the old wasn’t cutting it anymore.   So when I saw this tutorial on Crafty Gemini on making a custom quilted Laptop cover, I was set and ready.

It came out pretty good, much nicer than my old one.  For the outside I used part of an old denim skirt.

The inside is more of this print that I love.  I used bias trim in an odd shade of green because I think it actually looks kind of cool, and with the bright orange buttons it has a quirky look that is definitely one of a kind.  I think my netbook will be happy in it, it’s name is Paul.  Yes, I name my computers.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Four down, five to go.  Next is more doll clothes.

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Charmed and Bowed Over

I had managed to collect a few charms, lockets and pendants from broken jewelry and didn’t know what to do with them.  One day I thought, “why not put a bunch together on one necklace?”, so I tried it.

I wanted a heart theme, so I used two heart shaped lockets to start, an upside down heart charm with a paw print, and a pendant for a set of friendship necklaces.  My sister has the other friendship one somewhere.  I filled in the gaps with some flower charms and a butterfly. 

I stitched them to some braided trim, added some clasps, and then added some faux pearls because it needed something.  Now I have a totally unique looking necklace that’s chock full of memories to boot.

I mentioned yesterday that there might be a bonus, and this is it.

To make the necklace and yesterday’s bracelet, I had to search through my box of scraps and embellishments to get some ideas.  I have tons of these pre-made ribbon bows I got a while back, and I have been trying to find ways to use them.  I found a scrap of brown bias trim that I thought looked kind of nice with the bows and maybe some faux pearls, and since I was already making jewelry I automatically made the connection between the bows and making a bracelet with them. 

Just stitched them on the trim, add clasps and faux pearls, and voila!  An unusual, yet pretty cuff.  I think it looks pretty interesting when I wear in backwards too, it looks sort of like ruffled lace.  Maybe I’ll try that too in the future.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Three down, six to go.  I’ve been needing the next one really badly.

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Pick a Card

I think it was a few months ago, I found this tutorial for making a bracelet from old credit cards.  Of course, since it was so cool,  I saved it for later.

Here’s later. 

I used an old semester bus pass instead of a credit card, I have way more of them lying around than I do credit cards.  It was really easy, except for the little holes.  The instructions suggest using a drill, but I didn’t have one on hand so I just punched the holes with a hammer.  It was tough trying to get the hole in the right place, and I woke up my mom in the process.  This is not a good project choice for late night crafting. 

Still, the end result was terrific, and I think it is so cool how it still spells out “Semester Pass”.

Here you can see it on my wrist.  How does it look?

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

Two down, seven to go.  I may add a little bonus in addition to the next project, I feel inspiration calling.

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Dino Birthday

Today is my nephew’s birthday, he’s three today and very happy about it.  

For a present, I made him this pillow.  The dinosaur came from one of his old and stained t-shirts.  I cut it out and attached to another t-shirt, which I cut to size.  I used scraps of orange fabric for the edge and cut it with pinking shears to sort of resemble ridges on a dinosaur’s back, at least that was the idea. 

It is a little lumpy, stuffing pillows isn’t one of the things I excel at, but he totally loved it anyway.  He keeps on pointing at the dinosaur and saying “dinosaur!”, he is just so adorable.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

One down, eight to go.  Up next is more jewelry.

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Think Green

Today is Earth Day, you didn’t forget it right?  In honor of it, I found some cool blogs and a site that will help you make the most of the day and hopefully the rest of the year. 

• Easy Eco to Go – An appropriately named blog, She offers real experiences on simple ways to be green, and did I mention the frequent give-a-ways on environmentally friendly products.
• Hip Moms Go Green – This blog includes plenty of ideas for your kids as well as for everything else in your life, plus plenty of recipes to enjoy.
• The Daily Green – I just love this one, it has a little bit of everything rolled in to one easy to view site.  You could spend hours on it.

That’s just a small sampling of what’s out there too, maybe take a better look at it.

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The Sixth, and Counting

No introductions needed.

Project List #6

• Pillow
• card bracelet
• charm necklace
• netbook sleeve
• doll swimsuit
• bum bag
• sleep mask
• picture frames
• dress

A couple of them have definite deadlines, one of which is looming this week.  I should finish the entire list by about May 10th, ambitious much?

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Katamari Knits

A while back, I was searching around for something to do and found something truly special for knitters who are also Katamari fans.  Check here if you don’t have a clue what Katamari is or whatever. 

I found instructions on the ShojoBeat website in the diy section for Katamari Queen earmuffs.  They are a little unusual for my taste, but I bet they’d be fun to make and would make a truly awesome gift for someone, even if it is a little warm for them this time of year.  You can easily download the instructions as a pdf. file, and they also have ones for the Katamari Prince along with a few other surprises.  Get them while you can.

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Barbie Transformation

Some time ago, I blogged about an old doll I found at Goodwill that I wanted to fix up as soon as I finished my recent project list (See Goodwill Barbie).

Well here she is before…

...And after.

She doesn’t look half bad now.  I scrubbed her down and washed and conditioned her hair.  I decided to chop off her hair since it was so ratty and stringy before, I also gave her some bangs to highlight her face.

I made the dress with some ribbing from a top I cut up and a scrap of of an old skirt I thought looked pretty.  The necklace is made with a wire ornament hook and some seed beads.  And to finish the look, I tied a ribbon around her head to flaunt the her hair cut and side part.

Such perfect results from such humble beginnings, but now I’m not sure what to do with her.  Should I keep her and display her, or should I give her to one of my nieces.  Or maybe even to my nephew, his birthday is this week and he actually likes Barbie dolls.  His mother may object though.

For now I can just enjoy basking in the glory of a job well done.

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Bag to Bag

This week has been insane, especially Thursday, we were so busy at work.  Of course, it’s natural for a tax office to be especially busy on Tax day.  I filed a ton of returns, how many?  Let’s just say we managed to make our goal despite how the odds looked a few days beforehand. 

So I was beat and took the whole day off yesterday.  Hence no posting, but I had plenty of time to finish the last project from the list.

When I think of summer, another thing that comes to mind are woven purses and tote bags.  I decided to make one using plastic grocery bags, mostly from Fry’s.  I made a loom for it with a large cardboard box and it took several days for me to weave.  I finally finished the body yesterday so I took it off and stitched it into the right shape.  Then I used some more of that pretty blue fabric from the rummage sale for the other details (i.e. lining, straps, pockets). 

It has two inside pockets for my keys and wallet and a zipper to keep stuff from falling out, a common problem in most of my bags this size.  Maybe someday I’ll make an even larger one for the pool or something, not anytime soon though.  I need more grocery bags.

Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Seven down and out.  Coming up…….a birthday and a makeover?

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Strange Crafty Vocabulary

The other day I used the word “glittered” as a verb, as in by decorating something with glitter I glittered it.  Is it a real word?  I’m not sure since I have never heard it before, it just sort of popped into my head while typing.  But I like it, it’s a useful word too since I have been using glitter more and more for my projects lately.  

And there’s nothing wrong with making up your own words and terms, assuming I’m the first one to think of it.  Great minds think alike as they say. 

Anyway, “glittered” it now newly added to my vocabulary, hopefully with more delightfully new words to come.

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Camping Fun for All

It may have taken a while, but I finally finished the next episode of Kailey and Boris.  Considering the last one was a Christmas episode, it really has been a long time (See Christmas Operation: Complete and Then Some). 

In this one they go camping, or try to at least.  Some of you may recognized the sleeping bags from a previous project list (See Home Sweet Home and Maybe a Campout).  I knew they would come in handy.

This one took even longer to make because I usually use my webcam when filming these and it was on the fritz.  Got it working okay though.  Also, my niece was extremely interested in “helping” with it.  She kind of got in the way, but she was a great help during the storm scene.

Here’s the film:

And here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Six down, just one more to go.  It should be done in a few more days.  I hope.

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Flowers on Tomatoes

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks! 

First off, a funny thing happen to me as I got ready for church this morning.  I usually have to go pretty early since I’m in the choir and because I walk there and it can take some time, meaning I’m usually a little late.

Anyway, I misread my watch and thought I was about 20 minutes late this time, rushed like crazy.  I didn’t notice until I got there that something was up. 

My first clue was the large amount of parking available.  The second clue was the lack of human beings in the area.  I was wondering what was going on until I got a good long look at my watch.  I was more than an hour early, it would be at least another 40 minutes before anyone would show up.  Well at least I’m not late.

Beyond that, here are my new sparkly pins.  There were already cute shaped like flowers.  I thought, “what’s the quickest way of making something that’s already cute so much cuter?” 

Add glitter.

It turned out it wasn’t the quickest way after all.  Sure all you do is add a drop of glue and sprinkle on the glitter, but when you have to do it 50 times and the glue doesn’t always get where you want it, it can take a while. 

But they’re done and that’s all the matters.  I love how cute they look on the tomato pincushion.

Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Five down, just two to go.  The next has been delayed slightly, mainly because I dozed off before I had the chance to start it.  I will get it done somehow.

Give it a try:

• Flower Head Pins-75/Pkg
• Creatology Glitter, 1.5 oz.
• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue

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Memories in Fabric

I adore fabric and cute prints, I guess you kind of have to love fabric if you sew since you deal with large amounts of it.  Sometimes I spend more time looking and feeling my fabric than using it.  And sometimes I even delay actually using a fabric I love because once I finish it I may never see it again.  This is somewhat a reality when I buy fabric from Thrift stores to use for gifts for others.  I’ve managed to fix this problem.



A cute little book that holds scraps of some of my most favorite fabrics from the past.  Talk about a “scrap” book.  There I can look at them and feel as much as I want and remember all the things I’ve done with them.



To make it, I folded pieces of paper over the edges of my fabric pieces and stitched them on.  Then I punched holes in the paper and also into pieces of card stock I used for the cover.  I assembled them together like a book and tied it off with a ribbon.  I also decorated the front cover with a flyer for a salon and some fabric paint.  Fairly simple to make and rewarding as well.  I can still add on to it as I continue my sewing endeavors.  I plan on continuing them for a very long time.

Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Four down, three to go.  The next two will be fun, the last one will take a while.

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Foiled

Several years back, I learned how to make chains using bubble gum wrappers, though I can’t remember where exactly.  I’ve always thought it would be interesting to do the same thing with aluminum foil.


I tried it to make this simple bracelet.  It’s super easy, just a little time consuming.  Had to carefully cut each foil piece and fold it and link it one at a time.  Took a good chunk of my evening.  Finished off with some jump rings and a clasp made with spiral notebook wire, it makes a great piece for casual wear and a good recycling project too.

I reused foil from sandwiches for lunch,  I find my sandwich doesn’t get squished so easily when wrapped in foil.  It would be cool to use other materials for this too, such as foil wrappers from chocolate for a more colorful version.

Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Three down, four to go.  I’ve already finished the next one, it’s still drying.  I’ll post it tomorrow.

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Goodwill Barbie

I’ve been checking out the articles on this website, a lot about fixing old dolls and making clothes for them.  That’s where I got the idea for the sock clothes I made before (See Sock Couture).  I may have been influenced quite a bit by it all.  The other day, I went to a different Goodwill location in search of something I never did find. 

I came across this:

She was sitting on a shelf looking all sad and pathetic.  No clothes, messed up hair, I took pity on her.  She has the most interesting face for a Barbie doll, plus she was only 99 cents.  Who could resist?  I’m going to clean her up a bit and maybe make some clothes for, that is as soon as I finish my current list.  I think I’m going to name her “Amie” too, how’s that for a name?  It was the first one that popped into my head, that’s usually how I come up with names for everything.  Sometimes I come up with some unusual names that way.  I named a stray cat Max once, okay except it was a she.  Anyway, look forward to seeing “Amie” all dressed up.  Maybe in future she’ll be joined by a few more Goodwill friends.

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History Lesson: Mood Rings

This is my mood ring.  I received it as a gift about eight years ago and surprisingly it still sort of works.  I had it stashed in a drawer for a while and started to wear it again recently.  Staring at it made me wonder about moods rings so I did a little research.  Very little in fact.

According to an article from About.com: Chemistry, the mood ring was invented by Joshua Reynolds and were popular in the 70’s. They supposedly change color according to your mood, though really they just react to your body temperature.

Thermotropic liquid crystals in mood rings respond to changes in temperature by twisting. This twisting changes their molecular structure, altering the wavelengths of light that are absorbed or reflected.  Those wavelengths thingies determine what color things are, at least that’s how I understand it.

When your body temperature is normal, the crystals are green or maybe blue.  When your temperature rises, they turn violet or blue.  When you’re stressed, blood flow is directed away from your fingers to your organs making the temperature of your finger colder, thus turning the ring yellowish.  And in cold weather, or if the ring is busted, the crystals turn blackish.  Judging by the photo, I might have been under a little stress.

So the colors in a nutshell:

• violet blue - happy go lucky
• blue - calm, relaxed
• green - average, so-so
• yellow/amber - excited
• brown/gray - nervous
• black – freezing or ring is busted

Now you can say you learned something today, or at least that you knew more than I did before.

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Sock Couture

One day, I found this simple tutorial on making a cute doll top or sweater dress using an old sock. I thought it was really cool and wanted to try it out.

So a couple weeks later, here it is.  This doll by the way is a My 2003 Graduation Barbie doll, if it isn’t obvious she was a graduation present. 

She now has a lovely dress made with the cuff of an white sock.  The hem of the sock was folded down and stitched to form a lovely and very open neckline that look fabulous on the doll.

Just add a few choice accessories and it makes a perfect outfit, though perhaps a little too warm for this weather.  It’s not as if these dolls melt, do they?

Since I was still in to mood to play dress up, and I still had plenty of sock scraps, I decided to make something more suited for warmer weather.

The tube top is inspired by a top I used to have and has yellow straps made from embroidery floss that ties in front with a bow.  The skirt is made with another cuff that was turned inside out because I liked the texture on the inside better.  The hat and bag were made sort of by accident while messing around with some scraps.

Add some slides and she’s ready for the sunshine.  I made the shoes years ago with some felt scraps and foam packaging.  I made a pair for one on my nieces at the same time along with some other doll clothes as a gift.  Funny how I’m getting more use out of mine than she is out of hers.

Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

Two down, five to go.   The next one might take a little longer, mostly due to work. :(

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A Bright and Early Easter

I’ve been having an interesting Easter so far.  Since I’m in choir at church, I had to be there super early to warm up for such a special service.  I set two alarms on my phone, one to wake me up and one to let me know when to leave.  The second one woke me up, so let’s just say I was a little bit rushed this morning.  At least I was only a few a minutes late and Church went well.
On another note, I finished the little baskets from my list.  Just something to get into the spirit of the day.  I used this tutorial from CraftStylish,  only I made mine considerably smaller and didn’t quite follow all the directions.  They still came out okay.  What’s great is that they are made from two old cardboard boxes,  one that held zip lock baggies and one for peanut butter cracker sandwich packs.  They would be great on my desk to organize paperclips or to hold snacks (like the cracker sandwichs), or maybe crammed with little chocolates and given as Easter favors.  The possibilities are endless.
Here’s the updated list:

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

One down, six to go.  I should have the next one up tomorrow evening, look forward to it.

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Number 5 and Going Strong

Got the new project list ready.  Hopefully I can manage this one around school and work and all.  Especially work, we’re going to get pretty busy since April 15th is just around the corner.  I work as a tax preparer by the way, so yeah of course I’ll be busy this time of year. 

So presenting the newest list:

Craft List #5

• baskets
• doll clothes
• foil bracelets
• swatch book
• embellished pins
• Video
• woven tote bag

I plan on finishing everything  in about a week and a half.  Start the timers running.

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Good Deals from Goodwill

I stopped by Goodwill on the way home from work today on a quest for something I need.  I didn’t find it.

I did find a few craft items that were real scores.  First were these two patterns that were 1/2 off.  They came to about 65 cents total, and they so cute, especially the little girl’s.  I do have a few nieces who would look darling in little dresses and scarves.  Maybe I could make matching ones for all of them.  Then again that might be a little too Sound of Music.

I grabbed one of those baggies full of crafts supplies for about 4 dollars, and boy am I glad on did.  It was full of great stuff. 

Here’s what came in it:

A tomato pincushion (I love these), three packets of hand needles, some safety pins, several threaded bobbins…

This beautiful vintage needle set (it was a promotion item from Kroger)…

Some straight pins and flower pins that I could possibly embellish…

  

And a whole bunch of sewing machine needles…

And more of them…

And some more of them.  Lot’s of different kinds too.  I may never have buy needle again.  Of course I am going to share them with my Mom and sister, they don’t know that yet.

So the moral of this tale of shopping, go thrifting for your supplies and you will be rewarded greatly.  Either by good finds or good conscience, this time it was both.  Happy hunting.

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Kitty Ruffles

There’s a contest over at Ruffles and Stuff for projects that have a ruffled theme.  You can make them with any material, but you have to email photos before tomorrow.  I decided to make a cute little collar ruffle for Midnight.  It has two layered ruffles and little white bows for accent, and it’s made to slide on to her regular collar.

Here’s picture of how cute it looks on her.  Of course she couldn’t care less about that, except that she gets a lot of attention when wearing it.

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