Luggage Helper

Saw this idea on Pinterest, to make a travel kit from a washcloth, and thought I could add my own little flare to it.

The idea is to make a toothbrush and odds and ends holder that will absorb the water and keep your travel accessories nice and neat.

They are super simple to make, and are great gifts!

You will need:
A washcloth (I got a set of four from the dollar store)
Matching Thread
A needle
A few pins
An 18" length of ribbon
Some scrap fabric

Step 1: Fold the washcloth, leaving about 2 inches at the top. Pin in place. Fold the ribbon in half and pin about half-way up one side. Sew up both side edges.

Step 2: Sew 3-4 lines into the folded part of the washcloth, forming the pockets.

(You can be done now if you do not want to personalize your kit)

Optional Step 3: Cut an initial or simple design from your scrap fabric. Pin to the backside, above the pockets. Applique in place.

Optional Step 4: Tuck a small toothbrush, a comb, toothpaste, a handful of band-aids, a travel pack of Advil, etc. Keep it for yourself, or give as a great gift! I made one of these up for my mom, husband, brother, etc, in lieu of Easter baskets this year, and tucked candy bars in with the other goodies! They were a huge hit.

Knit "Potter" Scarves

When I was in high school, I learned how to knit. I did this with the sole intention of making myself, and maybe some friends, Harry Potter house scarves.

I have never really stopped making them, and have gotten far more intricate in my designs. The first ones were very simple block stripes, straight boring knit the whole way, with relatively large needles. Now, they look more like this:

You will need:

2 balls primary color yarn
1 ball secondary color yarn
(I prefer Vanna's Choice or Carron Simply Soft)
Size 8 needles (this is not super important - you can size up or down to your taste)
Scissors

Cast on 28 with Primary color
Row 1: K2, P2 until end
Row 2: P2 K2 until end
Repeat, row 3-34
Change to Secondary color
Row 34-37: Repeat K/P pattern with secondary color
Change to Primary color
Row 38-43: Continue with Primary
Change to Secondary
Row 44-53: Continue with Secondary
Change to Primary
Row 54-59: Continue with Primary
Change to Secondary
Row 60-63: Continue with Secondary
Change to Primary, repeat Rows 1-63 until desired length

OR (in simple terms)

Cast on 28 with Primary color
Odd rows, K2, P2
Even Rows P2, K2
The pattern:
34 rows Primary
4 rows Secondary
6 Rows Primary
10 Rows Secondary
6 Rows Primary
4 Rows Secondary
Repeat until desired length

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Jar crafts

Around the holidays, everyone likes to put up all those recipe-in-a-jar things, but honestly, they are getting old. There are so many other cute and creative things you can do with jars that will last longer than those cookies! Here are just a few ideas.

A. Make a terrarium in a jar. I found some instructions, and this picture at the HGTV site. However, their instructions seem overly complicated to me. (Be warned, I am terrible with plants and growing things, but I do love them.)

So I did this my own way.

You will need:

• A jar
• pebbles or gravel
• potting soil
• a plant (I suggest a small succulent or cactus, or if you are as bad as I am, a nice fake silk plant.)
• decorations (twigs, moss, colored glass gems or marbles...whatever tickles your fancy!)

1. Wash your jar and dry it. Add a thin layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom.

2. Add some potting soil.

3. Use chopsticks or a spoon to make an indent for your plant.

4. Put plant in the indent and scootch dirt around so roots are covered. Add more dirt with spoon if needed.

5. Decorate. Put in some pretty glass gems, some twigs, even a layer of moss or small glass animals and fake flowers. Anything you want to make it pretty and fun.

6. Water. When you water, use a very small amount, as there is little drainage.

7. Put someplace partly sunny and enjoy.


B. Make a keepsake jar.

Instead of buying dull picture frames, make a keepsake or memory jar of a special event or outing.

I first saw the idea here, at Women's World

You don't need much - just a jar and your bits and pieces! You may want a magic marker or paper label to write down the date and place the items are from.

1. Gather your treasures
2. Label your jar
3. Fill your jar with your treasures.

A few helpful tips:

• If you want to put small pictures in, use sand or small stones to hold your photo upright.
• Using long tweezers or chopsticks to get things right where you want helps immensly!
• If you are concerned about your treasures getting knocked out of place, dab a bit of quick-drying glue on the bottom as you place them, or even a small piece of double-sided tape.

You can make these as great wedding or shower mementos, use them for baby keepsakes, give them as gifts handcrafted about a special memory or place that you and a loved one share, etc, etc. The possibilities are endless, and they make great conversation pieces! Great projects for a scout troop or club! Fantastic for book reports - use items that are important for the plot or characters in the book and impress your teachers! Overall, have fun with them :)

C. Savings Jar

I just love putting change into a jar until it is finally full and I can find out all the money I didn't know I had.

Cute savings jars are simple to make.

You will need:

• A jar
• glue or tape
• decorations (I like to print out pictures and clip art)

1. Decorate your jar. Going on a trip? Put a picture of the place. Saving for a fun new toy? Tape an ad for it on there. Want party fun money? Decorate with glitter and streamers. Have fun!
2. If you are feeling mean, or need the extra motivation, glue a lid with a slit cut in it onto your jar. Metal canning jar lids make this tough, but coffee cans with plastic tops work great!

A few silly ideas to give these as gifts (with a small starter fund if you're feeling generous):
-boob-job jar for a close gal pal (with a sense of humor)
-retirement fund jar for parents/older friends and loved ones
-pirate booty jar for a younger child
-babysitter money for new parents
-iCoin for the tech and gadget guy in your life
-car money for a sweet sixteen
-beer money for the recent grad
-honeymoon fund for a bridal or jack and jill party

So save your jars and up-cycle them into something way more fun!

Intro to Bum Rolls

I know it sounds totally silly, but bum rolls are the best. I do not profess to know the whole history and such of them, but they are basically used to give your skirt some oomph.

For example, here is my behind without a bum roll.

And here it is with a bum roll.

It's like an old-school booty-pop.

For any sort of costume or skirt that requires a bit of scaffolding around the mid-section, they are the way to go. No need to make a complicated bustle skirt when you can tuck a bum roll under a pleated or gathered skirt for much the same effect, and much less hassle.

Even if you have the skill, time, and energy to make a full bustle skirt, a bum roll will still give it that extra pop that the style demands.

Best part is, they are crazy easy to make.

You will need:

• a few yards or scrap fabric (or 2-3 old t-shirts)
• scissors
• a needle and thread
• ribbon or string

You can make these a few different sizes and such, but the method remains the same. The one I am wearing wraps from the front of my hips around, with only a small section missing in the front, across my stomach. I wear it under Renaissance-style costumes. You can also make these so they just sit directly above your bottom, to go for a more Victorian look. They can be as large or small as you want.

Step one: Measure how long you want your bum roll to be.

Step two: Fold 2/3 (or 2 of your t-shirts) to this length.

Step three: Fold the remaining 1/3 so it is about 4 inches shorter. Place it on top of the longer fabric, in the center.

Step four: Roll all of your fabric together, as tight as you can, and pin in place.

Step five: Hand sew along this line, with doubled thread for strength. **It does not matter if your stitches are pretty, no one will see them.**

Step six: Sew a length of ribbon onto each end, long enough that you can tie the roll just below your waist.

Step seven: Wear and enjoy!

Hex Nut Jewellery

A dear friend taught me how to do these bracelets when I was looking for more crafty things I could do for guys, and I just adore them! They are super quick, inexpensive, and customizable.

You need:

• About 4.5 ft of cord. (I used ribbon in this example, but it doesn't hold the neat angle look as well as something like parachute cord or leather)
• Scissors
• 20 hex nuts (I used 1/4" size, from the Home Depot. Bag of 25 for like $1.50)
• Tape or a clip to hold the string in place as you braid

Step 1: Cut one 18" piece of cord and one 36" piece. (If this is for someone with an especially large wrist, go bigger. Too much is always better than too little). Fold the 36" piece in half, add the 18" piece, and tie a knot in the end. Tape to your work surface.

Step 2: Braid cord for about an inch.

Step 3: Start adding hex nuts. Add one to the side you are about to brain into the middle, keeping the nut to the outside of the bracelet. I promise it's harder for me to explain than for you to actually do! Keep adding nuts this way until you are out.

Step 4: Braid the last inch or so and tie off, making sure to leave 2-3 inches in loose cord.

Step 5: Tie tiny knots in the ends of each remaining loose cord.

Step 6: Use these loose cords and the loop at the top to tie your bracelet onto your wrist.

Once you try it a time or two, these take all of five minutes to make, but add a nifty posh-grunge look to an outfit. I like to use them for steampunk outfits, as they are an easy way to get the industrial feel. I think this look would be great as the chain for a pocket watch or something along those lines. Next time, I might experiment with painting the nuts different colors.

As always, thanks for reading, and happy crafting! If there is a certain project or genre of craft you would like to see, please comment and let me know!

Gift ideas - Simple and Fun DIY gifts

I always like to add personal, handmade touches to gifts for all occasions, so here are a few of my very favorites. They're inexpensive and fun, and are great to do with kids too!

1. Foot/Bath soak

You will need:

• 6-inch square fabric scraps or coffee filters
• mint or lavender tea bags
• epsom salt
• powdered milk
• ribbon
• scissors

Put a small spoon of epsom salt and powdered milk in the middle of your fabric (or coffee filter). Cut open a tea bag and add half the contents to your fabric. Pull up the edges and wrap the ribbon tightly to seal the pouch. Tie off.

To use, just toss one little pouch into a hot bath and relax!

2. Decorative (and nice smelling) candles

You will need:

• Plain pillar candles
• coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, seashells, or whatever non-flammable decorations you want to use
• A blow-dryer

Pour the decorations you're going to use into a bowl or onto a plate. With the blow-dryer as war as it goes, carefully heat the bottom end of your candle until it is just a little soft. Roll in the decorations you chose. For extra pizzazz, tie a pretty ribbon or bit of lace around your candles.

3. Seed Tape (Great for the gardener in your life!)

You will need: 

• seeds of your favorite garden plants or flowers
• 1" wide strips of black and white newspaper
• flour
• water
• paintbrush

Mix a few tablespoons of flour with a tablespoon of water, until it makes a thick paste. With the paintbrush, put a generous dollop of the paste every few inches along the newsprint strips (however far apart the seed directions say). Drop a few seeds onto each dollop. Allow to dry. To plant, simply lay the strip down and cover with a layer of soil.

Fascinators!

Everyone loves a posh little fascinator. Since the WillKate wedding, they have been a huge fashion trend. And they are super easy, fun, and versatile! So here's a quick how-to, to get you started.

You will need:

• Felt or fabric (a small scrap will do)
• A stiffening agent (I've used spray starch, iron-on interfacing, etc)
• A Needle and Thread (or glue)
• A barrette or hair comb
• Decorations (check out my instructions on how to make fancy feather decorations and some options if you want a veil.)

1. Cut your fabric into a small oval. If using interfacing, cut that to match, a half inch smaller than your fabric, and iron in the center.

2. Cut a slit to the center point of the fabric, where you want the back to be.

3. Overlap the edges of the slit about an inch (more for a stronger curve, less for a more subtle one). Sew the overlap in place.

4. If using spray starch, spray your hat now and let it dry. If using interfacing, wrap the edges of your fabric around the interfacing and sew or glue in place.

5. Attach your decorations over the sewn seam, covering it from view if possible. I sewed mine on, but hot glue or even superglue is also an option if you are not handy with a needle. (I went crazy and put on a veil and a bow and some sparkly bits and feathers)

6. Sew your barrette or comb onto the bottom of the hat.

7. Wear at a jaunty angle and bask in the glow of all the compliments you get!

Enchanting Floral Centerpieces

Wedding flowers are expensive, no matter how simple you want to do them. For my own wedding last summer, I wanted to really go all out and be a fairy princess. Fairy princess flowers were waaaaay out of my price range. However, with a bit of time and about $70.00 at the local Dollar Tree, I made 15 of these beautiful, everlasting centerpieces.

For each one, you will need:

• 1 glass taper candle holder
• 1 glass bowl vase
• hot glue gun
• wire cutters
• floral tape
• various silk/fake flowers (I went with a central rose, some colorful filler flowers, and some decorative grass, but you can get this same look with whatever flowers you like best)
• 2 bags glass gems
• 1-2 flameless led tea lights

Step 1: Glue the bowl vase on top of the candle holder. (The one in the picture is not on a candle holder stem, but for an idea of how it looks, check here.

Step 2: Pour glass gems into bowl.

Step 3: Use wire cutters to clip fake flowers to single stems.

Step 4: Arrange your flowers in a pyramid or cone shape, starting with the central flower.

Step 5: Wrap the stems of the flowers together, covering the bottom 3 inches or so. Use the wire cutters to trim any excess and adjust length

Step 6: Turn on tea lights and place in the bowl. Place flower arrangement into bowl. Enjoy your beautiful new centerpiece!

Feel free to add decorations, play with colors, etc! Make a big, lovely bow to add!

Disney Vacation Countdown Calendar

My husband and I are going on a second honeymoon/pre-kids Disneyworld trip in the near future. With him just finishing grad school, it helps to have something to look forward to through the long New England winter. With that in mind, I made this Disney vacation countdown plaque that is decorative and fun!

I should warn, it turned out to be a longer process than anticipated.

You will need:
A castle printout, scaled to the size you want - I googled Disney castle silhouette and found a perfect one
A wooden plaque
1 sheet Black scrapbook paper (I used the glitter kind because SPARKLES!)
1 sheet Fireworks-y scrapbook paper
Scissors
Modgepodge
1/8 inch ribbon
Tape
A sample countertop card from the hardware store (with a shiny finish)
Superglue
Paintbrush
Hammer
Picture Hanger

1. Trace your printout onto the back of the black scrapbook paper. Cut out your castle.

2. Trace the shape of your wooden plaque onto the fireworks paper, leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 margin for safety.

3. Mod-podge your fireworks background onto the face of the wooden plaque. Position and mod-podge your castle in the center of that. Allow to dry.

4.  Layer a few coats of mod-podge over your whole plaque, allowing to dry in between. Be liberal. (I literally poured it on.)

5. Wrap the edge with your ribbon to finish the edges nicely. Dot with superglue every few inches to hold the ribbon in place.

6. Tie a ribbon on the countertop sample card. Glue the end to the back of the plaque.

7. Hammer the picture hanger to the back of the plaque.

8. Hang on the wall.

9. Use a dry or wet erase marker to write on the sample card.

10. Enjoy your vacation!

Cage Veil, two simple ways

I love vintage styles, especially hats! I think there is just nothing classier than a lady in a flirty veil, so I recently learned how to make an old-fashioned birdcage veil.

There are two different methods: the band and the gathered puff. Those are not the "official" millinery terms, but it is what I call them in my head. Both ways can be as simple or detailed as you want to make them!

For either method, you need the same basic tools:

1. Scissors
2. 1/2-1 yard Millinery or Russian netting (I found it in a half dozen colors at JoAnn's, or you can use any large-weave netting from the bridal and special occasion fabric section. I use both and either look just fine, depending on your own personal tastes)
3. Thread
4. Needle
5. Decorations (like a nice flower or bow)
6. Bobby pins or a hair comb
7. Ruler

Band method (done in black 9" millinery)

This method comes out MUCH less puffy, and gives you plenty of options how to wear it.

1. Measure about 18 inches of netting, give or take depending on how far back you want to pin the veil. Try it out in the mirror before cutting.

2. Sew a line straight up each short side, a half an inch from the edge, cinching the netting up as puffy as you want it, and tie off.

3. Sew a bobby pin onto each side and add decorations if you wish. It is that easy!

The Gathered Puff method (done in green large-space netting)

1. Cut a rectangle about 18x24 if using mesh netting. Otherwise, cut 24 inches of millinery.

2. Fold in half.

3. Cut the top corner at an angle, away from the fold. Unfold.

4. Starting in the bottom left corner, sew around, about a half an inch from the edge, until you reach the bottom right corner. Gather the netting as tight as you desire. The tighter the gather, the more poof. Tie off.

5. Sew a hair comb or some bobby pins where the veil is gathered. Add flowers, feathers, or a bow if you wish! See my directions for making fun feather decorations to add here!

These can also be added to hats and hair bands and such for a unique flair - I suggest trying them on mini top hats!

Bows! And how to make them

Bows are some of the most versatile decorating staples. I like to use them in flower arranging and holiday décor, but they can also be added to hats, clothing, accessories, stuffed animals, anything you want to fancy up a bit. Once you know the technique, you can make them as big or tiny as your project calls for. And those expensive pre-made bows are simple and quick to make at home for much less money! Here's how.

Materials:

Ribbon (preferably wired)

Scissors

Floral wire or thin string (even heavy thread will work)

Directions:

1. Cut your wire or string to about one foot. Set aside.
2. Leave a tail of ribbon a bit longer than you want it to be in the end.
3. Make a loop and hold the ends firmly in one hand.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Twist the ribbon where the center of the bow will be.
   
   
   
5. Make a loop on the other side. Twist. Hold firm in the middle.
6. Repeat until you have as many loops as you desire. (Don't worry about squishing the loops, you can fluff them when you're done!)
7. Cut the other ribbon tail, again, an inch or two longer than you want it to be.
8. Take your wire and lay it across the middle of the bow.
   
   
   
9. Fold it in half and twist the two ends behind the bow. It helps to fold the loops over the wire.
   
   
   
10. The most important part of this is making sure to twist the wire good and tight.
11. Fluff your bow.
    
    
    
12. Trim the ends to the desired length, giving them fancy cut ends if you so desire.
13. Ta da! Done! Use the wire ends to attach to projects or trim short if you want to glue or sew the bow onto something.
    
    
    It seems like a bunch of steps, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make these in a matter of minutes!
    
    

A to Z Challenge

To try to get back into blogging after a bit of a hiatus, I am attempting the Blogging A to Z Challenge. I will post 26 times this month, corresponding with the letters of the alphabet. I do have to admit, I am going easy on myself, and have simply assigned myself the topic of "craft stuff" but being that most are projects that I have to make as well as write up, I think it should be more than enough of a challenge!

I hope you all enjoy!

To those of you who are also engaging in the challenge, I look forward to checking our all of your hard work! Good luck all and thanks for reading!

Antique Leather Pirate Mask or Eyepatch

Leather masks can cost big bucks at renaissance fairs and online retailers, but you can make your own in a matter of minutes that looks just as great, and is formed for your own face.

You need just a few craft store items:

Leather scraps (I bought a bag of scrap suede for about $5)
Scissors
Glue
Ribbon or cord
Blow dryer
Craft sealer paint or spray (optional)

And you can make this project in about a half an hour or less. (Plus drying time)

Step 1: Cut a piece of leather a bit bigger than you want the finished product to be.

I made mine an eyepatch sort of style, so I cut a triangle, about 2x3 inches.

Step 2: Cut any embellishments you want.

For instance, I curved the sides in and cut some spikey sorts of designs on one side. For extra guidance, draw cut lines on the back if needed.

Step 3: Wet the leather, just a little. Pat off any excess water, and lay the leather across your face where you will want it to sit. Gently press it to form to the curves of your features.

I also chose to curve some of the edges up for style.

Step 4: **VERY CAREFULLY** blow dry the leather, while it is still on your face. Use the lowest heat you can, and take your time, making absolutely sure not to leave too much heat pointed at your eye for a long time. I cannot stress this enough! Do not burn yourself!

Step 5: Cut the eye hole. Again, if you need to, draw a cutting line on first, or have a friend help you gently outline your eye for the correct placement.

Step 6: **If you want a mask you can see through, skip this step** Cut a second, smaller piece of leather, of a different color, and form just to your eye with the water and heat method above. Glue it in place on the back of the eye hole of your main mask.

It is difficult to see in this picture, but the eye hole has a light tan piece behind it. This mask is for a villainous sort of character, and supposed to be a bit on the creepy side. I thought the light eye socket would do it.

Step 7: Wait for the leather to dry completely. String an elastic or cord onto it, and you are done!

Optional: You can also choose to paint the front of the mask with a craft sealer for better hold and molding. You can paint or decorate the leather however you desire. For comfort, you can also glue felt to the back of the mask. Go to town! Have fun! And if you really don't want to make one yourself, check some out in my Etsy shop - coming soon!

In the meantime, craft on, internet friends!