Tin Decor

While checking out other blog, I found this great tutorial.  It’s for tin can tea light holder.  It caught my eye mainly because I have recently developed a thing for candles, I just picked of a couple today at Family Dollar.  Anyway, this looks really pretty for being made from something that most people throw away, and a major perk is the instructions for it.  They are all drawn out by hand, the style is very fun to read.  Same goes for the rest of blog which is why I subscribed.

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1, 2, 3….

I said I was going to take my time getting through the list, but that doesn’t seem to be possible for me.  I have finished three projects and I’m still going.

First up, I had some leftover fabric from the dresses I have been making lately, so I thought I would make a pretty bag to match.  It is lined with a fabric in a lighter shade of pink, and I used batting to give it some shape. It came out with a sort of plush quilted look to it that I thought was cute.  It is suppose to be shaped like a heart, does it look like it?

Next up, I had plenty of smaller scraps of fabric left and the only thing to do with them is make accessories.  These cuffs were made to take advantage of the edge of the material.  It also allowed me to practice doing button holes, and I really do need the practice.  At least they stay buttoned.

I had planned to make this capelet much later seeing as it is much too warm here in Arizona still to wear it.  I’d be lucky if I can wear next month.  Still, I was too excited to wait on it to finally cool down.  I got the fabric for it at Goodwill for 50 cents, it reminds me of fallen snow.  I used a fitted t-shirt to help get the shape of the shoulders and I sort of winged it to get the neck of it.
The brilliant part is the bow.  I made it from part of a vintage skirt that had to be shortened, now they coordinate.  Plus, it is removable so I can switch it with another one to match any number of outfits.  Makes it cute and versatile, my favorite combination. 
Here’s the updated list:

• Bag
• Cuffs
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Magazines
• Poncho
• Table
• Desk chair
• Chair
• End table
• Lamps
• Capelet
• Headbands
• Globe
• Rug
• Curtains

Three down, thirteen to go.  I need to hunt down some cardboard before I start the next few, unless I go ahead again.

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Back to Our Regular Programming

It’s been a nice break the last few weeks, but I can’t stand it any longer.  I have to have a list for my projects in order to function correctly, I see that very well now.  So to make up for the long absence, I prepared a very long list of fun.  Here it is:

Craft Project List #11

• Bag
• Cuffs
• Bookshelves
• Books
• Magazines
• Poncho
• Table
• Desk chair
• Chair
• End table
• Lamps
• Capelet
• Headbands
• Globe
• Rug
• Curtains

What makes it so long is that I decided it was about time to work a little more on the cardboard dollhouse.  I will be starting on the library, also known as the “other” room.  If I take my time, I should have this list finished half way through October.  But if I do what I normally do, sacrificing sleep and whatnot, then it will be finished in about three weeks.  That is why I need to take my time on it.

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Taped and Stapled

Ever felt like sewing something without actually “sewing”.  This tote bag tutorial from Martha Stewart shows how to make a cute and stylish bag using duct tape and a stapler among other things.  The funny thing is, judging by the photo, it doesn’t come out all clunky and strange like you’d expect.  Just don’t try the same thing on dresses and stuff.

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Floral Ruffles

So while working feverishly over the last few days, I finished another dress and wore it to church today. 

Nearly the same reaction as the last couple of dresses (see More Pink and Lace and Two Days Time) except that it wasn’t such a surprise to everyone that I made it.  Anyway, this one is a little more subtle, the only decoration is the ruffle at the top and at the hem of the skirt and some pin tucks.  I think the ruffles really compliment the print of the fabric, love those little bitty flowers.  I made a little bow for my hair to match.  It’s on a plastic headband, and it is removable too so I can change it up.

I tried some shirring on the back, it does save on having to use a zipper.  It did come out a little off center, I don’t think it is that noticeable.  Still, I do think I have improved at it and at dressmaking in general.  The only other thing I goofed at was making the skirt too long, but maybe that’s just a personal preference. 

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Cardboard Hearts

Cardboard is truly one of my favorite craft materials, and up until now I thought I was really great with it.  I found someone who can truly be called a cardboard genius and I pale in comparison.  This video tells the touching tale of an older man who works with cardboard to help him forget how much he misses his wife, she has been in a nursing home for the last few years since suffering a stroke.  He visits her daily, bringing along some of his creations as gifts for her and some of the other residents.  A lovely story and his crafts are amazing.  He makes tons of whimsical toys, picture frames, rings,  and anything else you can think of.  Oh I can say is “wow”.

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