Tuesday, December 14, 2010

TOMORROW!

Readers,
Can you believe it? I get a note from school yesterday that my handmade items are due on Wednesday instead of Friday! What are they doing to me? Forgive me, but there will not be tutorials on everything, because I had to slap together some things fast!
Here's what I've come up with:

Mens Leather Bracelet

This I had made before for my husband using leather cording. His is tied on, so for a gift I made one using ribbon enders. The tutorial for the sailor braid I found here.

Shrink Plastic Keychains

These are a super simply craft to make. Luckily I had shrink plastic that is able to go through the printer. All you need to do is choose an image, (kid's photos would be great for grandparents). Scale your image to double the size you want the finished piece to be. Print it, cut it, punch a hole for your chain, and bake according to the directions. Easy!

Button Earrings

Most of you can probably do without a tutorial on these cuties! Take an earring post, add E6000 glue, press button on, and let dry. Good thing I make these regularly, so no problem having posts and backs in the house.

Record Bowl

You've probably seen one of these before! I made two of these to send to school tomorrow. I'm not sure if anyone will want them. I actually have one I made, that is perfect for throwing my mail into.
Lastly, I made a placemat purse a couple of weeks ago that I was going to sell in my shop. I wasn't thrilled with the unfinished edges so I couldn't really put a price on it. Therefore, it becomes a gift. I had found a tutorial ages ago that gave me the idea for it. I will probably put up my own here shortly since I didn't use one anyway.
Sorry for the frantic blogging, but I'm running on adrenaline! I hope you like these ideas and that they inspire you to create!
Working Miracles,
Margo

Monday, December 13, 2010

Six Crafty Gifts in Five Days!


Darlings!
Now that I am on the road to recovery, I've got a lot of crafting to make up. Every year at my children's school they put on an "Angel Store". This is a chance for the kids to buy gifts for their parents, siblings and so on. The school asks that each family send in six handmade gifts for the store. The items are all put together to form the shop. Then the kids purchase items for low amounts. Nothing is priced over $5.00. Pretty neat, right?
As you've noticed, I've been sick. Well, guess what? The six items are due on Friday! How many do I have made? You guessed it....NONE! Time to roll up my sleeves and get these made. I'm going to share them with you as I complete them. Ready?

Craft 1 Sleeping Mask


Here's what we need:
- 2 12x6 scraps of fabric (can be same color)
- 10inches elastic
- needle and thread/ sewing machine
- 30 mins

First thing, make a pattern, or use mine. Just copy and change the image size to 10x6.


Next we cut out two of these and mark where the elastic band will need to be. ( Make sure you mark on the wrong side of the fabric). Place your two masks right sides together with the elastic sandwiched in between. Like so:


Be sure that your elastic is laying flat. A twist in it will ruin your mask! Now, simply pin all the way around. Starting at the nose, stitch around your mask leaving and opening to turn it right side out. I did mine by hand, but the machine will work even better. Once we've turned the mask right side all that's left is to stitch up the opening. I made these once before and put dried herbs inside to promote relaxation. You can also stuff them with some batting or add a layer before you stitch the sides together.
Not bad, right? Simple, thoughtful and homemade. What more could you want in a gift? Now I've got to start brainstorming on the other five gifts! Feel free to share your ideas for last minute handmade goodies!

Happy Crafting,
Margo

I'm Still Here!

Readers!
So sorry I've been MIA for a month! Thanksgiving was a lot of work and to top thing off I've been super sick. Last week I finally broke down and went to the doctor. Strep throat. Yuck. I'm starting to feel like my old self again. My ears are still plugged, though. Any ideas how to clear them? I've gotten so behind on everything! My house is a mess, the kids and hubby are barely hanging on, and I've done zero Christmas shopping. ZERO!!! This darn sickness has cost me so much.
I've been too sick to even be crafty. :( Now that the antibiotics are finally doing their thing, I've got to kick it into overdrive!