(c) CraftTestDummies, 2010

Little known fact: my #1 search term that brings people to my blog is “Necktie Crafts.” Really. And I don’t know WHY I have such a fascination for old neckties…but well, I do. And here’s another craft to get you scouring your grandpa’s closet and thrift stores!

These coffee cuffs are  also a NO-SEW project- hurray! You can whip up a slew of these in a 1/2 hour or less…and all you need is neckties, Fabri-Tac, and a few embellishments.

First of all, I want to say that actually skinnier ties work better. Not those 80-s type skinny ties, but not the jumbo fat ones Uncle Tony used to wear, either.

You’ll start off by bringing home a t0-go cup from your favorite coffee shop and use that to loosely guide you as to where you’ll want to cut the tie. I just wrapped it around, and left about 2 inches to tuck into the back:

So I just cut off the excess with a pair of scissors, then laid it flat on the table. To get that tapered shape that most coffee cups have, you’ll want to line up the bottom edge of the tie-point with the top of the other side. Take a look:

It makes a little “mountain” on the top of the cuff, but I like that- it gives it interest and reminds you that YES, this is a tie. (By the way, we are not de-constructing the tie because it has that nice liner in it that gives it body and acts like insulation.)

So after you line up the edges just so, make sure that the raw (cut) end is tucked nicely into the folded portion on the back of the tie point, then peel back the edge and add a line of Fabri-Tac glue:

You also will want to add some glue to the inside of the tie, where that raw end is tucked in.

Now for the embellishing! This is all about YOU, now. I stamped one of my favorite quotes onto some bleached muslin, then glued it to the front. I added a few drops of dimensional fabric paint, too.

For the other one, I traced monogram, then used the dimensional fabric paint to create a “pearl-like” effect.
Other ideas:

• add a yo-yo
• photo transfer of your favorite kids or dog
• felt flowers
• use an old brooch or funky pin
• Iron-on appliques

Really, that’s where YOUR creativity comes in. I think these will make fun Father’s day gifts, and well as making a cool “Earth Day” statement. Have fun!

And if you liked THIS post about neckties, here are my others. Knock yourself out!

• Sewing Recycled Tie Bags/Purses
• Necktie Daisies
• Tie Bag Swaps Received
• Necktie Scarf

Disclosure

This idea came from the Sulky Company (makes thread and machine embroidery accessories) but I’m doing mine by hand. And with a little help from my hot glue gun. The link came through my ClothPaperStudio Yahoo Group- we’re going to do a little swappin’- but I pounced on the idea because I got a new Sirius portable radio for Christmas..

So far the new accessories aren’t out yet. Picture this: Jenny is working at her studio table, engrossed in craftmania. The radio portion is on the table. Jenny drops a bead! She goes down to retrieve it, and the radio is pulled off of the table and on to the floor. The headphones pop off and mess up her hair. What to do first? Get the bead? Fix the hair? Retrieve the radio???

So I figure if I make up one of these little beauties for myself, I’ll have a handy-dandy place to stow the radio. Then I only have to worry about those dang wayward beads.

And if you have even more ties to use up, here are some projects to explore:

• Necktie School Bag on CraftBits
• Recycled Necktie Bookmarks from the Carol Duvall Show
• Necktie Halter Top from DIYnetworks’ Stylicious show

And if you’d like to see some other folks’ craftwork with ties, check these out, too:

• Big Horn Mountain’s tie quilt block, made in memory of the ties owner….
• Darcia Ray’s necktie quilt… good close-up to give you an idea of how to piece it
• Xanadu23 refashions ties into some rockin’, edgy skirts. Shout out to the CIA grads!
• And Jana Morgan made a whole ballgown out of ‘em!!

It just dawned on me I should have saved all of this ’till Father’s day….oh well.