Craft Test Dummies

Or tote, or purse. Whatever. For my Mom’s birthday, she asked me to make her one of these “boutique bags.” I’d purchased instructions from an e-bay seller, and made up one for myself as a sample. Mom selected two coordinating prints from the collections I’d bought from Keepsake Quilting, and I made a bag up for her in an afternoon.

The bag has 3 pockets built in, and I use the really stiff Peltex 72 (fusible on both sides) for the interfacing. This bag stands up all by itself!

I have to admit, I think it turned out well… I added the 3 Swarovski buttons on the front for a little bling. Folks who know me know I LOVE Swarovskis….and a little sparkle never hurts!

Now I’ve got the hang of them, I think I’ll be making more….

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately with liquid polymer clay, this time playing with stained glass effects. In my previous tests of liquid clay, I checked to see which brand cured the clearest. Consequently I determined Kato Liquid Medium was really the best product for this set of samples.

I really lucked out two years ago, and ran across a sale on the suncatcher forms. They are glass, shaped like stars and circles, and already have a hole drilled in the top. They were on discount at Pat Catan’s, so I snapped them up. (My motto is buy now, figure out what to do with it later!)

I smeared a thin layer of liquid clay on the glass, and then used black Premo that I extruded for the “leading”. I baked this first step to make sure it would stay put without distorting. Then I mixed up my LQ and alcohol inks (I used Pinata, but you could use Ranger) and filled the areas using a toothpick. Remember, Kato liquid is runny- so you have to be careful. Really TLS would be easier to manage in this application, and I think I’ll use that in the future. So I filled up the little areas, and baked it again.

The treble-clef example I did on memory glass, and made a “frame” from another piece of extruded clay.

The “forever” hearts piece was done on white clay instead of glass, but constructed the same way. I added some micro beads for interest, and then framed out the piece with extruded clay. I added about 3 more layers of liquid clay to fill the entire frame, and made it look more like it was under glass. Fun!

(I’ll be teaching this technique at Stamplistic in May 2008. For more information, check out my “Craft Classes with Jenny” link.)

Ok, first the disclaimer: I am not from Mexico. I have limited understanding of the culture. But after a dozen visits to Mexico, I am smitten. I love the food, the music, and the bright festive colors. And any excuse to eat guacamole works for me! That being said, here are some ideas for festive Cinco De Mayo crafts.

Let’s start with the “Eyes of God” or Ojos de Dio…

• Basic instructions using yarn and popscicle sticks can be found at AllFreeCrafts.com. Nice, simple instructions, and of course you can gussy them up with feathers, yarn streamers or beads.
• For the “delux” version, try Jay’s Ojo instructions. These use a different weaving technique and really are a version of a mandala. And you know how much I like those! The pic at the left is one of Jays. Gorgeoso, no?

Next, let’s consider the Pinata!

• Family fun has nice step-by-step instructions with pictures. They do a “hot air balloon” version. Cute!
• I like the star shape for a more traditional Mexican look. And there’s NO WAY I’d be banging it up with a stick… but that’s just me. I’d keep it for other Mexican-themed parties. But that’s just me!

How about some festive shakers for the kids? Kaboose has a quick-and-dirty styrofoam cup version that will keep the kiddos entertained for a while….

I’m also a fan of tin ornaments… Enchanted learning has one for making moons and stars out of aluminum baking pans. For more on tin crafts, see my previous post here. PS…that Enchanted Learning link also has some coloring down loads, word-searches, etc. Lots of goodies there!

Lastly, I am a jewelry fanatic, so why not make up some kickin’ Our Lady of Guadalupe jewelry? I saw her everywhere the last time I visited Mexico. Download some images, punch them out into 1″ circles, and then use some Paper glaze to mount them inside of a bottle cap. When it’s dry, use a nail to make 2 holes at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock, then use some jump rings to attach them together. Add a clasp, and you’ve got a cool bracelet!

I’d be remiss here if I didn’t mention the Crafty Chica, the diva of all things Latina. Check our her site, too, for many crafty ideas!

Lastly, Martha Stewart has a craft-of-the-day on Picado Papel, or paper cutting. This would also be a fun and simple craft for a kid’s room. Kind of like making tissue-paper snowflakes!

Viva la fiesta!

So I’ve mentally committed to doing RAKs…Random Acts of Kindness for my CPS Yahoo group sisters. So far I’ve made bookmarks, altered bobbins, felt needle cases, and now I’m on to charm-y thingies. I just mailed out my April goodies, which consist of a hand-made paper bead w/ Chinese characters on them, Chinese coins, and red beads for good luck. I’m not sure what the recipients might do with them, but I figure they would be fun on an art quilt, shrine or assemblage. I was in my paper-bead making frenzy, and I thought they would be fun.

I’ve also started my May ones, and now I’m on to bottle caps! (Of course, I’m testing some ideas out for a new class, and I needed to play a little.) Here’s what I got so far, but I intend to poke some holes and hang some danglies. Ohhh, they are so fun!

I’m really loving these, and for this batch I just used Paper Glaze…. but I’m beta-testing liquid polymer clay for a jewelry application.

But back to the RAKs…. maybe I should mount these onto tags, or 3X3’s, or maybe make them into little dolly people. Anyone have an idea? I’m up for comments!

Ok, here’s a great way to both recycled chipped or orphaned teacups and old candles: recycled teacup candles.  Just in time for Mothers’ Day, the idea is simple and elegant.

To recap, you’ll gather some wonky candles from around your home. You know you have them- ones that got dinged up, ones that are burned 1/2 way down and look goofy, ones that have faded from the sun. Gather them up and pull out the wicks, and then melt them in a double boiler. (Jenny’s bootleg double boiler is a coffee can in a pan of water!) Melt the wax, and then add a few drops of oil fragrance or coloring made for candles. (Easy to find at your local craft store.)

Dip your new wick (also at the craft store) in the wax to make it stiff. Then cut lengths for your teacup, allowing for enough to wrap around a skewer or pencil. Pour in your wax, and let it set up. (See all of the details on Martha’s site.)

What a great gift for a mom, aunt, grandma, or teacher! I also love the idea of taking those “orphaned” teacups - ones that come from somewhere, but are too pretty to throw away, but maybe are stained inside or have a little chip. (Or go nuts at the thrift store!) Sweet, pretty and recycling. Love it!

Once again, TipNut rocks! They’ve compiled a gi-normous list of baby crafts, including diaper covers, wipe cases, diaper stackers, burpclothes and bibs, blankies and booties too! If you’ve got a new baby or are getting ready for baby showers, this post will point you in the right direction. I especially liked the burp cloth ideas…they make great gifts. Anyway, just wanted to share the love!

Ok, I saw these super-cute cupcakes in this week’s circular. I checked out the instructions, and they aren’t the greatest. (What is a mug plug, anyway???) But, like most craftistas, really what you need is the idea and then you can run with it. And what makes the cherry on top? The yo-yo, of course!

If it were me, I would probably rely on the old tuna-can pincushion trick, and have myself a grand old time!

Ahh, spring is here and it’s time to put those sweaters away. Or is it?

Maybe it’s seen it’s better days. Or your weight has changed, and it doesn’t fit like it used to. Or you’re just itching to go thrifting and engage in some Earth Day craftiness.

Well, I’ve found an idea for you! Over at Erica Makes Stuff, she’s posted a step-by-step tutorial on refashioning your old sweater into a spiffy new cardigan. According to her, you only need about 1/2 yard of quilters cotton, 1/2 yard of interfacing, some buttons and thread, and about 2.5 hours. (Heck, I probably have enough fabric and notions in my stash to convert every sweater in North America!)

It really looks like this would be a do-able project for beginning sewers… the toughest part is making the collar template, since she doesn’t provide a pattern. But don’t be afraid… you could make a tracing of a collar you already have. (Here’s a little help for drafting a collar pattern, too.) Or, if you’re not ready, just skip the collar altogether.

Anyway, just coordinate your sweater color(s) with fabric for the button placket, and go for it. I think this could be done in a super-funky retro 50’s style (and how about adding that gi-normous monogram to the left shoulder!!!) or use a sweet 30’s print and add some (here it comes…) cute yo-yo’s to dress up the neckline! (You knew it had to have a yo-yo, right?)

There’s no doubt that recycling/refashioning clothes is a hot trend right now - and with Earth Day approaching, give it a shot and earn yourself some bragging rights!

PS… Fellow crafty blogger Woof Nanny sent me a link to this photo, of her repurposed sweater. She added the cool zips. Funky!

So I spent this morning raking out beds, uncovering little shoots of spring. My crocus are blooming, and the tulips and daffys are over 1/2 up. It won’t be long until they bloom, too. So with all of this spring springing up around me, my thoughts have turned to garden crafts and yard art. First up: we need a birdbath!

I found a super simple version on FamilyCrafts.com:

Patricia’s Pots also has a how-to, with a slightly different design:

She recommends using liquid nails to hold the whole thing together, and to make sure to seal your pots & saucers before you do your decorative painting. She also uses an oil-based varnish for the insides. Who knew?

Now, if you’re an advanced crafter (ie, SooperCrafty) then you can try the ramped-up version using mosaics. I found some nice step-by-steps at Michaels.com. I’m new to mosaics, so I might wait a spell for this one. But look at the sample- really nice!

Here’s a simple mosaic version. You only have to mosaic the inside, and you use a tomato cage for the base. (Ah, recycling!) However, I wonder how the mosaic will stand up to being underwater all summer. (?) I really like the idea that you can then plant little seedlings at the base, and have some viney flowers adorning your birdbath too! Maybe morning glories?

Finally, I found some instructions on making a cement birdbath on HGTV. This would take a little work and preparation, but really it would be fun embedding rocks, shells, china bits and like in the rim. There are good step-by-step directions with pictures. Yea! This version calls for 2 different sized bowls to act as the molds, but I read somewhere else you could also use the lid of an outdoor garbage can and a bucket to create the well. (And, they also recommended lining the concrete with some metal mesh for added support. Just a thought.)

Well, I think Casa CTD is going to try a simple version with terra cotta pots, and get the kiddos to do the base painting. I have this nice spot in the middle of the yard where the cherry tree used to be, and I need to hide the stump!

Ahhh, Spring! (PS: this would be a nice Earth Day activity, too!)

I was checking out Martha Stewart’s Craft of the Day, and today she was showing off oil cloth lunch bags. Since I’m all for reusable lunch bags, I thought I’d share it here with you.

The only problem? Martha doesn’t give a pattern. But Jumilla Bugs did! This is her version:

i made a cardboard template that is a little ragged but still works. the bag is a very simple 6 pieces:
back / flap - about 61/2 by 14 inches
front - 6 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches
sides - 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches
bottom - 6 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches
it is stitched wrong sides together. starting with attaching the front and back pieces to the bottom piece; then the sides to the bottom; then joining these to the front and back, starting the stitching at the bottom.
i put a strip of velcro (hook) horizontal, about 2 inches from the top edge of the back piece, on the wrong side
i put two shorter strips (loop) vertically on the right side of the front piece (to attach to the piece on the back, which folds over to the front when the bag is “closed”.
i also add a little pocket to one side, which you can kind of see here with the bag on the far left. i also add a strap at the top.

If you follow her link to the finished ones, you’ll find some super-cute monkey lunch bags… just great for wee ones or hip chicks! I really couldn’t tell you which ones I liked better.

Now, a few words on oilcloth: if you haven’t used it before, here’s the low-down. It’s really a cotton fabric that has been embedded in vinyl. It’s pretty durable, not too crunchy, and wipes clean. Please don’t throw it in the washing machine, or try to iron it. Bad news. But the fabric doesn’t fray or  stretch, and you can make a cute edge by using your pinking shears or scalloped rotary blade. You can even leave your seams to the outside for a fun look. Use a denim needle on your sewing machine & regular thread. For more tips, visit Sew,Mama,Sew.

Who thought a boring old sack lunch could be so cute?!