Christmas Crafts: Snowman Ornament with Tutorial

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

The next craft project on my Christmas list is ornaments, snowman ornaments. :)

I made cute little snowman ornaments using the sparkly yarn I bought from Joann (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  And not just this one…

…But several of them, fifteen in total.

Many of you already know that every year for Christmas I make ornaments to give to others.  I’ve been doing it for several years now.

For these ornaments, I was inspired by some snowball ornaments I made years ago.  I thought “why not snowmen?”

The best part about them is how much fun it is to decorate them.  You can make them in so many different ways.  Some I made earmuffs for…

…And some have cute little hats.

Since they were so easy and fun, I made a video tutorial for all to enjoy.  Think of it as a Christmas present.

Snowman Ornament Christmas Tutorial

All you need to make them are:

• White yarn (like this sparkly kind)
• Felt
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Glue (like Aleene’s Tacky glue)

Enjoy the video.

Here’s the updated list:

• Snowmen
• Elf
• pouches
• Coats

Two down, two more to go, and 6 days until Christmas. :o

Give it a try:

• 9" x 12" Basic Felt by Creatology™
• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue-4oz
• Bernat Happy Holidays Yarn

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Sailor Moon Gashapon Toy Unboxing

It’s up a little later than I had planned, but it’s finally ready.

My Sailor Moon gashapon unboxing!

For those who don’t know, a gashapon or Gachapon is a capsule toy from Japan.  Like the tiny toys you see selling for 25 or 50 cents in those little machines at grocery stores. 

Kind of like that, only much better.  They are usually better quality and with a wider variety to choose from.  For more information about them, check this video from Only in Japan.

Anyway, as you saw in my Comicon haul video (see Phoenix Comicon Shopping Haul and Grab Bag Opening), I received several gashapons from my grab bags, all Sailor Moon ones. 

Since opening them was so special to me, I chose to make it a separate video.  And now you can finally see for yourself.  Be prepared for a couple of surprises.

Enjoy the video!

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Phoenix Comicon Shopping Haul and Grab Bag Opening

Continuing on from my Phoenix Comicon 2017 video, here is part 2.  The shopping haul!

All the cute and/or unusual stuff I bought at the vendors hall.  Mostly grab bags, I can’t resist them.  One part surprise, one part bargain and full of fun.

Enjoy the video.

Here’s links for some of the items:

• Victorian Folly
• J-Box
• All About Books and Comics

I will be posting the next video soon for the Sailor Moon gashapons.  Look forward to it!

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Phoenix Comicon 2017, Yay!

Well, it’s been well over two weeks since I went to Phoenix Comicon. 

I was busy with other stuff (work, that darn craft list, etc.),so I couldn’t quite find the time to post this.

But finally, I finished making this Comicon video.  It’s short and sweet.

Enjoy!

And I will be posting more related videos soon.  Look forward to it!

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Pretty Pill Organizer or Another Way to Store Craft Supplies?

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

Here’s a nifty idea that I have been dying to try for months.  Decorating a pill organizer to make it cute or pretty.

I got the idea from this video on YouTube.  There’s other ideas there too, but this one stuck out at me.  I almost immediately got a pill organizer from the dollar store and……let it sit around.  Just gathering dust.

But let’s finally gather the supplies and do it. 

I used some gems and flat back pearls, lace, scissors, and two types of glue.  Aleene’s tacky glue and Aleene’s Jewel-it, my favorite glues. :)

The Jewel-it is specially for the gems since that’s what it is designed for, and it does a great job.  The tacky glue is for the lace because it just needs a good strong glue.  You could probably use a glue gun too if you are in a hurry.

Anyway, I just glued the lace around the organizer, being careful not to block the lids for the little compartments.  Oh boy, is that a bad shot.  These photos were taken on a rainy day. :(

Then I added a few pearls and a large gem in the center.  I could have added more, but I wanted something more subtle.  You could also decorate with bows, ribbon, flowers, etc.

Now the final step is to fill it, but I’m not going to fill it with medicine or supplements though that is a good idea.

I’m using it for craft supplies.  These organizers are perfect for storing things like jewelry findings and snaps.  Keeps them secure and neatly organized, in the cutest way possible.

Here’s the updated list:

• coats
• hearts
• organize
• blouse
• outfit

Two down, three more to go.

Give it a try:

• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue 4 oz.
• Aleene's Jewel-It Embellishing Glue 4oz.
• M&J Trimming
• 7 Day Plastic Pill Organizers

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Doll Head Bands with a Tutorial

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

It may have took forever, but I finally finished a project on my craft list.  Just a little something I whipped up for my dolls.

Doll sized head bands!

I made several little bitty head bands for my ball jointed dolls (check the doll blog to see their reaction).  It’s been something I’ve been dying to try but couldn’t for one silly reason.  I couldn’t find doll-sized blank head bands to cover. 

Then I realized I could use something else as the base, jewelry wire.  It’s easy to find and works great, as you will see.

This first head band is made of faux pearls strung on to the wire.  I have a similar head band which is how I got the idea.

The next one is made of lace wrapped around the wire.  I added a little bitty lace rosette to decorate.  It probably would look cute with a tiny flower or button in the center of the rosette, but for now this will do.

For my smaller ball jointed doll, Sakura, I made these sweet ribbon head bands.

I just wrapped the wire with ribbon and added a simple bow.

For this doll, Usagi, it’s the same thing but with a slightly less simple bow.

And this headband is wrapped with both lace and ribbon.  The lace is over the pink ribbon, so you can see a hint of pink color through the lace.  Looks cute enough to try on a human sized head band.

Since these head bands were so cute and easy to make, I made a video tutorial.

All you need are:

• Scissors
• Ruler or tape measure
• Lace, ribbon or beads
• Jewelry wire (try this or this one.)
• Wire cutters
• Glue gun

And of course a doll.

Wait, there’s more.  In honor of Halloween I made a few more doll sized head bands.

I made cat ear head bands!

They are easily made of felt and jewelry wire.  Don’t they look adorable on the dolls.

And I also made a second video tutorial for these, so everyone’s dolls can dress up for Halloween.

Enjoy!

Here’s the updated list:

• Pink dress
• Accessories
• Socks
• Headbands
• T-shirts
• Tank Top

One down, five more to go.  The next one will be up soon.  Look forward to it!

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It’s Been 7 Years…

That is, seven years since I started blogging.  Today is my blog’s birthday!  Yay!  And I actually remembered it this year! Double yay!

Anyway, in honor of it I created another little video.  It features several photos from the past year.  Look out for your favorites.

Enjoy!

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My Trip to Phoenix Comicon 2016

I know I mentioned that I was going to Phoenix Comicon this year (see Sailor Moon? No, Just a Uniform), but I never did say anything about how it went.

It’s hard to put such things in words, so I actually made a short video of it.  Here is just a small taste of what it was like.

Now that you finished that, I thought I should give a few more details, at least about what I brought home.

You saw the grab bag I got at J-list in the video…

…and the random stuff that came out of it.  Now what will I do with it all?

The train shaped food tray will probably be fun for lunch and stuff.

I’ve gotten a lot of use out of the travel mug.  I fill it up with green tea for early mornings.  Nothing like tea in a cute mug to brighten the day.

I haven’t yet used the leek pen, but it will come in handy.

I’m afraid the DVD titles aren’t very appealing to me.  I may give them away or take them to Bookman’s.

I’m sure this clock thing will be useful as soon as I figure out how to use it.  I think it’s really cute, but I kind of have the urge to whip out my glue gun and add bows or something to it.

The bento t-shirt is adorable, one can never have too many t-shirts.  And if I don’t wear it as is, I could turn it into something cute.

Here’s a better look at the tag.

And this is the strangest thing right?  I was surprised it was a Sanrio character.  That’s right, the company that brought us Hello Kitty also created Kirimi-Chan.  A character with a giant salmon filet for a head.

And this is a giant inflatable pork chop for you to wear on your head, because one of Kirimi-Chan's friends is a pork chop.  I’m not sure what to do with it, but I kind of want to keep it just because it’s hilarious.

Now the cute stationery set.  I wish I had thought to ask the vendor for a business card or something.  All the stuff they had were so cute including this set.  I’m still at that stage where it’s so cute that I can’t use this stuff for fear of ruining it.

When that’s over, I will probably use the cute bear pencil like crazy for drawing and designing.  The pen would be great for jotting down notes, especially in the notebook.  It’s perfect for shopping lists and such.  The eraser is perfect because one can never have enough, and I can use the pouch to sort out these and all my other pencils and stuff.

Overall, it was super fun and hopefully next year will be fun too. 

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5 a Week: Cute Doll Tank Tops with a Tutorial

 

It’s Sunday, and time for week 2 of this year’s edition of…

 

…The Five a Week Pledge.

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see here for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.  Feel free to grab a button and join me.  If you already have, post a comment or a link to share what you accomplished.

This week’s craft:

Doll Tanks Tops

I made cute little drawstring tank tops for my doll (you can see her reaction here).  I say drawstring, but will always think of them as pillowcase tops.  The first time I learned how to make tops like this was from a tutorial for a top using a pillow case I saw in a magazine.  Since then I have made several (see Dolly Dressing and Give Me a Doll With Hair).

The first I actually made two of, one for both of my ball jointed dolls.  Simple with cute thin pink ribbon.

The second one I used lace instead of ribbon.  It also has lace running along the neckline.  Cute and a little dressier.

The third top has the ribbon tying in front instead of at the side.  I think it’s a nice touch, or least it’s different.

And the last one is a little rough.  I left the edges unhemmed and uses some fabric strips instead of ribbon for the ties.  By the way all these tops where cut from t-shirt scraps from previous projects.  Great way to use up the leftovers.

Now as an extra bonus, I decided to make a video tutorial for these cute doll tanks tops.  Now everyone can dress their dolls easily for summer.

Enjoy!

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Lace Rosette Tutorial and Kitties!

Finally, the next project on my list is done.  It's a video, and another one.  I meant to make one video but ended up making two.  Not exactly a bad thing right?

The first video is sort of a recap of a previous video tutorial I made (see Lace Applique Brooches: A Tutorial). 

It shows simply how to make these lace rosettes, something I find myself constantly making and using for several different projects.

And the next video is just for fun, a kitten playing.

I found a kitten years ago while staying with a friend.  We took care of it until we could find it a home.  I took photos and video of it playing and napping, and I finally did something with that footage.

 

Enjoy!

Here’s the updated list:

• dress
• hair accessories
• small bag
• pins
• clips
• doll clothes
• video

Five down, just two more to go.  The next one should be up soon.  Look forward to it.

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Doll Dresses for All, With a Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, see my disclosures page for more information.  Thanks!

I originally intended to post this last Friday, but realized it would be better to post today instead.  I will explain why in a second.

Anyway, for the next project on my list, I made…

…doll dresses!

I of course made one for my ball jointed doll (you can see “her” reaction to it here), but I also made some for another doll.

This is an Ever After High doll that belongs to my niece.  She has two of them plus a Monster High doll, and all three have the same ultra slim figure and are in bad need for clothing.  I have made cute dresses for my own Monster High dolls before (see Dressed Duo and Red Shoes), so I thought I could make similar dresses for her dolls.

Today is actually my niece’s birthday, and since she is now about old enough to actually read my blog, it would probably ruin the surprise if I had posted this sooner.

So here’s all the dresses I made, except for the one for my doll.  I used the same easy bodice for all of them, just with different skirts and simple embellishments.  The fabric came from two large scraps I had leftover from some dresses I made (see Catching Up - Conventions Anyone? and Time for Some Catching Up).

And since I figured other people might have the same problem of having dolls with unique figures and no clothes to fit, I made a video tutorial for my doll dresses.  It shows how to make dresses to fit practically any doll.

Enjoy!

Here’s the updated list:

• Covers
• Bag
• Jacket and Skirt
• Hearts
• Little Dresses

Two down, three more to go.   The next one should be up by Sunday, possibly sooner.  Look forward to it.

Update 1/7/2018:

Now for those who want to make a doll dress, but are short on time (or patience), there is my new Turbo Version.  The same easy doll dress tutorial video, but half the time to watch.

Enjoy!

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Lace Twin Hearts Hair Clip, A Tutorial

After putting it off too long, I finally finished a project from my list.  And it’s a tutorial too.  Yay!  And a video.  Double Yay!

I call it the Lace Twin Hearts Hair Clip.  Perfect for Valentine’s Day, or anytime you feel like wearing a pretty heart on your head.

All you need are:

• Felt
• Pretty Lace
• A Needle and Matching Thread
• Scissors
• A Clip
• Pins
• Glue gun or fabric/craft glue
• A scrap of paper

Now for the video.

Enjoy. :)

Here’s the updated list:

• Covers
• Bag
• Jacket and Skirt
• Hearts
• Little Dresses

One down, four more to go.  I’m hoping to have the next one up by Friday.  Look forward to it.

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Lace Applique Brooches: A Tutorial

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

 

It’s ready.

As promised, I successfully created a video tutorial showing how to make these lovely lace brooches.  It was a bit of a challenge since I had never made a video tutorial before.  I also have made fairly few tutorials in general. 

One of the biggest challenges, besides actually working with the camera, was choosing music.  My first and absolute favorite choice for music was a little too perfect and pristine for my simple video.  It sounded like something for some epic movie.  I might as well have used the 1812 Overture or something.  But I found something slightly more suitable and less comical.

Hope you enjoy it!

 

Update: Since making this post, I have successfully created several videos including my lace rosette shoe clip tutorial.  Feel free to check it out.

Give it a try:

• Aleene's Jewel-It Embellishing Glue
• 1-1/4" Steel Pin Back with Nickel Finish, 10pcs.
• Celebrate It Occasions Lace Flower Ribbon
• Cotton Eyelet Lace
• Assorted Sheer Flowers Iron On Applique Pack, 6 pcs
• 9" x 12" Basic Felt by Creatology

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Happy 6th Birthday!!

It's my blog's birthday!  Six years really fly by.  Like in previous years I decided to make a video to commemorate this occasion.  And since I kind of forgot last year, I worked extra hard on this video.  It was a bit of a pain.  I couldn't quite decide what music to use.  And I had trouble embedding it here.  Plus my internet connection kind of stinks, so it took forever to upload the video.  Over 2 hours.  But now all is well and good.  

I now present:

Enjoy!

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A Little Fun for Black Friday

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and I wish everyone a good Black Friday. 

Speaking of Black Friday, it’s amazing what you find when you Google those words. Like this video clip from Saturday Night Live.  Enjoy!

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Happy #3

Two good things today.  First, it’s my blog’s birthday.  It’s 3 years old today, yay!  Second, I actually remembered it this time.  Double yay!  Last year I was a few days late and the year before, let’s not think about that. 
Anyway, last year I made a lovely little video to celebrate (see Happy #2).  Since it was so much fun to do, I decided to make one for this year too.  Enjoy

Here’s the updated list:

• Sunflower skirt
• Present
• Video
• Little t-shirt redo
• Pincushions
• Pants redo
• Bear pants
• Hair accessories
• Red skirt
• Wristbands

Three down, seven to go.  Stay tuned Wednesday for the next one.

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Happy #2

Okay, I sort of forgot that last Saturday was actually the 2 year anniversary for this blog.  Whoo Hoo!  Two Years!.  So in honor of it, and because I completely forgot to do anything for the 1st year, I made a video showcasing a few of my favorite photos from the past two years.
Enjoy.

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Mountain Climbing or Knitting?

Well I finished the video, ran a little late with it too.  That’s because of some technical problems.  

First my webcam was on the fritz, it’s only a year old and it’s having so much trouble.  Then I had problems with my editing software, some little problem that should have been simple to solve if only the help file was a little more detailed in it’s explanation.

Anyway, it’s done.  In this episode, the focus is mostly on Kailey finding a suitable hobby.  Of course the ever loyal, and apparently talented Boris steps in to help in his own way.  This video happens to feature some great clipart from Graphics Fairy, lovely photos from various artists at FreeDigitalPhotos.net, and some not so lovely photos from me.

Here it is for your enjoyment:

Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Seven down, just one more to go.  The last one should be up later today.

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