Packing Paper Has Unlimited Uses!

Packing paper...ya you know the stuff. You go to a store such as Hobby Lobby lets say and you buy something breakable. What does the cashier do? She wraps it in paper. And what does one usually do with the paper? Throw it away or recycle it right? Well before you go crumbling up that paper and throwing it in the trash can there are a few other options for that paper.

I love this paper. I recently have started saving this paper for a few different reasons. And so glad I have!

Here is a list of things you can do with this paper.

1. Put in your own craft area for scrap paper (you could always use scrap paper right)
2. Donate it to your local DayCare or Pre-School. I work at one and let me tell you the kids go gangbusters over big sheets of paper. 
3. Give it to your kids for their own art's and crafts. (painting or coloring)
4. Use it as a drop sheet when you are painting a craft or project when you don't have newspaper.
5. Store it away for the next time you move and need to pack breakables.
6. Keep it in a bin for when you are packing up seasonal decorations.

I'm sure there are more ways to reuse this paper that just haven't been thought of yet. Let me know what you use it for!

Felt Tote

This is a simple DIY felt tote. It does not involve actually making the tote (I am not quite that talented) but rather one purchased for Hobby Lobby for about $12. The project is adding on embellishments to the felt bag to make it your own. All my supplies were purchased at Hobby Lobby, but many craft stores will have the things needed as well.
I used a gray felt bag, a package of two larger felt flowers, a package of six smaller felt flowers and a owl embellishment that has a fabric back. I also purchased fabric adhesive, but I would recommend using thread to secure the larger embellishments, if not all of them, as well.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the glue, exactly because that is important. If you don't let the glue sit on one of the fabrics before pressing to the other fabric, it takes a lot longer to stick and adhere.
It says you can wash whatever fabric you stick together after 12 days, but I do not plan on washing this bag. I am not sure I would trust it going through the washing machine, but hand washing would probably be ok.

Edwin The Toy Elephant Tutorial

I have always had a thing for Elephants. Ever since I was 7 years old. Anyone who enters my bedroom you will quickly realize this for there are elephant knick-knacks and stuffed animals all over the place...not in a crazy way though. Everything I have fits nicely into my room and doesn't look weird or childish at all (seriously) 

Well any ways I came across this awesome Stuffed Elephant tutorial the other day thanks to Pinterest of course! 

The Tutorial is located HERE. Now the tutorial it's self is very short and not very details. For a beginner the project itself is pretty simple but with the lack of details in the steps can kinda get you lost and confused unless you have an experienced sewer to help you along the way.

Now on the tutorial there is a PDF link to the pattern. If you can't find it here is the pattern. Just print it off and cut it out and then pin it to your Material. 

Seeing that the steps aren't the greatest I am going to give you my version and maybe it will read better to beginners! :)

My awesome fabric!

My cute little pin cushion I just got!

What you will need:

• Sewing machine
• Iron for pressing your fabric. 
• Sewing sears.
• Pins
• The Elephant Pattern Provided above
• CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN DO THIS EASY SEWING PROJECT!
• 2 coordinating fabrics. I used a Green Fabric from the Fabric Traditions line at Joann's and Some interlining fabric for the ears (optional but if a child will be playing with it you will want it will make it more durable.) I use some scrap fabric for the interlining.
• Thread that matches your fabric.
• Toy Fiber Stuffing
• 2 Buttons for eyes (note buttons can be a choking hazard for young kids. So you don't have to put them on...just gives it a bit more detail.
• A hand sewing needle. (for sewing on buttons and closing up your stuffing hole)

1) First pick out 2 coordinating fabrics. Solid colors or patterns are both fine just remember that if you are using a pattern like stripes (that's what I used) you might have a tough time keeping them aligned while sewing to make it all match up and look nice and neat. 

2) Iron both of your fabrics before you work with it. Always a good thing to do. Trust me...just keeps the fabric nice and neat. 

3) Print off your Elephant Pattern if you haven't already. And cut it out along the line. Notice there are no dashed lines like a typical pattern. So cut use the line as your cut and then use a 1/4" seam allowance and Imagine there are dashed lines there....

4) Once your pattern is all cut out you will want to fold your  first fabric in half. This should be your main fabric. Why fold it you ask? Well you will need 2 pieces for your body. 2 for your Legs and 2 for your Head/Trunk piece. And not only that. The pieces must be reversed. For when you want to piece them together you will want them to match up.

Don't match up...didn't reverse cut!

Match up and was reverse cut!

5) Pin your pattern to your fabric. Make sure it goes all the way through your fold as well so that you are grabbing both pieces of your fabric. Cut as close as you cant to your pattern piece. If you miss a bit that's okay you can trim it off after you sew your seam.

6) Now you are going to the same thing to your other pattern pieces such as the ears and the tail. Pin it to your second fabric. Note you will need 4 Pieces for the Ears! And 2 for the tail (if you follow what the posted tutorial link says to do). I did my tail a bit different and I will get to that shortly. 

8) Cut 2 pieces of interlining for your ear if you choose to do so. Use some scrap fabric if you have it. Try to stay away from prints and dark colors if you have a lighter color for your main fabric of the ear. For it will show through.

7) Ok got all your pieces cut out? Ya well lets count and be sure you have them all. 2 x Body, 2 x Head/Trunk, 2 x Leg pieces, 2 x tail (if you follow the other tutorial) and 4 for the ear (not counting the interlining!) 2 x ear interlining. Ok got all of that? GOOD! Doing great!

8) Prep your sewing machine with your thread if you haven't done so yet. Make sure you have a good amount on your bobbin. 

9) Are you ready? Did you remember to thread your machine? You did? AWESOME! You are so gosh darn smart! Ok now you need to decide what you are sewing together first. Lets start with the tail. There will be 2 versions of this!
---- Version 1

• Sew a narrow hem down both of the long ends. Do this to both fabrics. Don't forget to back stitch!
• Now pick an end of each fabric and sew a very narrow seam. this can be a bit tricky so take your time. DON'T do both ends of the piece for one end is going to be unseen anyway!
• Once you have hem both pieces take the 2 pieces and place the right sides facing each other. 
• Now sew the 2 long sides of both pieces together. Leaving the ends open. Remember to back stitch! You don't want your seam to come undone!
• Now here is a tedious step. Turn the piece right side out. Use a pencil if you can. That's what I used but I hear you can use a doll rod (if you have on small enough) or a safety pin. Might want to take this as a chance to sit in a comfy chair and relax and watch some tv...cause it can take a bit if you aren't good at turn such a small piece. I know it took me quite a bit!
• Ok got that done? Good!
• Now sew your small hemmed end closed.
• Iron and press.
• Tie a simple knot on the end of your tail. Yes the one that you just closed up. Cute huh? 
• Set aside for later.

---- Version 2 
First let me explain why I changed the tail. Due to the small size of the piece I found it difficult stitch the narrow hem. My fabric kept getting caught and bound up under the needle and in the hole so I made a piece.

• First I cut a new piece of fabric. Made it a bit wider than the original piece from the pattern and made it twice as long for I wanted a longer tail.
• I then folded the piece in half length wise make sure to have right sides facing. I stitched a hem using a 1/4" seam allowance. Remember to back stitch. 
• Turn your piece right side out...remember it can take a bit.
• Pick an end and fold the fabric inside about a 1/4" and sew it closed. 
• Iron and Press.
• Tie your knot at the end. You can tie your knot well enough to cover the stitching you just did. I found this much easier! And You're DONE!! I found this was much easier than doing it the other way. I will let you be the judge on what you want to do.

Your tail should look something like this when it's all said and done!
Both versions will give such a result.
Doesn't the knot just add more cuteness?

10) Take one of your body pieces and lay it flat on the table. Right side facing up. Take your leg pieces and lay it on top of the body piece right side facing down. If it doesn't match up right then you have the wrong leg piece. Remember right sides at this pint should be facing and your leg pieces should be on top of the body piece. Pin in place. Repeat this process with the other body piece and the other leg piece.

Pin as needed. And for Step 11 note where my fingers are.
You don't want to stitch that part up.
Leave it open!

11) You are now going to stitch the pieces you have pinned together. Pick one doesn't matter which 2 pieces you start with. NOTE: You will NOT stitch the top of the leg piece to the body. You need it to be open to put stuffing inside! When stitching you will use a 1/4" seam allowance. And start about 1/4" down from the top for you will need that bit of room for a seam later on. Trust me! I didn't know this until it was too late and had to use the lovely and trusty seam ripper! It will kinda look like you are doing a W. Just don't stitch the top closed. REMEMBER TO BACK STITCH! Trim around your corners and be careful not to cut through your stitching. You will want to do this so that when you turn it right side out it will look nice. 

12) Repeat step 11 to your other body and leg piece set!

13) You should at this point have 2 bodies sewn with the legs making 4 pieces into 2 separate pieces and a tail! How's it look so far? 

14) Now here is a tricky part...remember how I told you to keep about a 1/4 of an inch of space from the top of the leg piece when stitching it to the body. Ya? Ok good! Now we are going to sew the two leg pieces together joining the two pieces and creating the bottom of your elephant. When sewing the two pieces together you are going to want to make sure you don't leave the raw edges on the right side of the fabric or else when you turn it right side out your raw edges will show. So fold your edge in and pin in place and sew them together. Take care not to sew it to the body. Remember you want the piece to be open for stuffing! Take your time and make sure you have it right before you start sewing. 

Here is my elephant with the legs and bodies and head all sewn together.
Notice the ears and tail not  pinned on.
 I had to rip the seams off of the head and start over due to the fact
 I didn't have my ears ready and in place....
So don't do what I did!
 And note I hadn't finished my tail yet...
but no worries I didn't get that done really quick.

15) Ok got that done? YAY! The hard part is over! Now set the one body and leg piece to the side and get your ear pieces and the interlining. First lay your two pieces of your ear right sides facing and then lay one of your pieces of interlining on top. Pin together. Do the same to your other pieces. Sew around the ear leaving the straight edge open for turning. Remember to do a back stitch. Don't want your ear seams to unravel do  you?

16) Sew your other ear the same way and cut around the curve close to the seam. Careful not to cut through the seam or all that work will come undone. Turn both ears right side out. Now take both ears and press with an iron to remove the poof look around the seams. 

17) Pin your ears to your body. Where the head and body seam will be. Make sure you ears are pined to the right side of the fabric for when you turn your piece later on your ears are on the correct side. Now take your head pieces and sandwich the ear piece with the head and the body. Make sure the you have the right head pieces matches up to the right body sides. And take note to have the right sides facing. Stitch all 3 pieces (body, ear, and head) together. Make sure to keep the opposite side of the body and head and legs out of the way. Be sure to use secure it all with a bit of back stitching. Trim the corners really good. Don't cut your seam!

18) Once you have both ears and head pieces sewn to your body of the elephant lay the elephant flat and pin the heads and trunks together. Stitch it all up and remember that back stitching. At this point your heads, legs, ears, and body pieces should all be sewn together. 

19) Pin your tail in place making sure that the tail is on the inside like your ears. Sew it up and around the body. Leave a good gap at the top of your elephant for turning and to fit your hand in so you can stuff it. (I did mine on the head/trunk and wished I didn't....) Check it over for any missed areas. Any holes or places that need a stitch or two. Cut any long threads. Trim any corners and rounded areas. 

20) Turn your piece right side out! Doesn't it look nice? Take a minute to press your elephant! Be careful of the ears and tail. Now here I would take the time before stuffing for it was kinda hard to do it with the stuffing in it. Sew your buttons on for the eyes. Make sure they are on there good! Ok now stuff her up. Use your fingers to stuff the trunk and the legs really well. Keep stuffing.........a little more....is it filled yet? Yes? WOO HOO! 

21) Now stitch up the opening where you stuffed him at with a needle and a bit of thread. Make sure you knot it up really good. My stitched doesn't look great and I apologize. I am still learning myself on hand stitching. And guess what? YOU ARE DONE! Doesn't it look cute? Be sure to name your little elephant. Mine is Edwin!

See the bad face stitching where he was stuffed at....
ya don't do that....

Isn't he Cute?

I hope all of you enjoy your awesome new Elephant! Let me know how it works and if you have any questions! 

2 Aprons For The Day

You know how in junior high you had to take Home Ec? Ya you know...the place where you had to learn to sew, iron, etc? And how it was drilled into your head about how a sewing machine works and how to thread it and wind a bobbin? Ya well all that went out the window or so I thought.

I got out my mother's new sewing machine we bought in the past year that hasn't seen much use since it's purchase. Brushed off the the dust got out my fabric....and started searching for patterns and tutorials and such...came across 2 adorable aprons.

The first one is a full apron for a child. I found it on the StartDust Shoes Blog.
Here is the PDF Tutorial from that blog you can follow.

Now I don't have the greatest sewing abilities as stated before...but I am learning...I wouldn't be jumping to look over my seams and for they look awful sure....it's durable and will hold together...but it's not the prettiest thing in the world. Now the kids at the Day Care I work at loved it! I plan to make another at some point here this weekend now that I kinda know what I am doing.

Here is how I did! The Front side has a pocket...got smaller as I went along....Back side is just the same fabric as the front pocket. The neck piece ended up being a bit too big for the kiddos at the day care...and had to put a small rubber band around it to shorten it up...going to get a wooden bead to use as a slip tie thing for it. Note that the kids wearing it were under the age of 4 so this is a good size for a school ager...just not for a toddler. Notice the lack of a close up on the seams... :)

        


The second apron is a half apron for a child. I found a tutorial the other day while doing some random pinterest and google searching. Came across the web page belonging to Raechel Myers there you will find many tutorials and other awesome goodies. That's where I found this awesome tutorial

It came out a bit smaller than planned but I had a really bad seam and had to rip it out with a handy seam ripper and in the process I kinda ruined my fabric and had to take off about an inch or so...and other issues... Did I mention my awesome awesome awesome skills on the handy sewing machine? Cause if I haven't they are oh so Awesome! lol :)

Here is how it turn out!

Enjoy! Happy Sewing and Crafting!

Accessory Board

Every girl knows of how hard it is to come by a great way to store and display your awesome accessories what ever they may be. I myself have been having troubles with my Christmas loot of necklaces and scarves.

So what does a crafty girl like me do? Well I scour pinterest of course! I have found great ways to make your very own accessory board. And honestly I love most of them but one idea I loved more than others.

Here it is.... Knobs.... Whether they be door knobs or cabinet knobs they will work. And where might one find such knobs of various styles and awesomeness when garage sales aren't going on? Well Hobby Lobby of course!

Now knobs can get pricey I mean who wants to pay $4-$8 for one knob right? Well I sure don't! Well about once a month the knobs at Hobby Lobby go on sale usually they are 50% off or something like that. That is the best time to go. Also scour the clearance area for sometimes you can find some awesome ones over there for a buck like I did!

Now once you have your knobs picked out you are gonna need something to put them on. The best thing I found was a piece of old barn siding that came from my grandpa's barn before we tore it down. Thank goodness for my dad for saving a bunch of boards.

With the help of my dad and some power tools we were able to create something. Awesome! First we had to cute the length of the board that I wanted. Then we payed out the knobs where I wanted them. We proceeded to drill holes for the knobs. We drilled all the way through the wood.

Know you may notice that the screws in your knobs are too long. This is also where having your dad's power tools come in handy. He was so gracious to shorten them to the length needed. We then had to flip our board over and counter drill the holes with a bigger bit so that we can put the nuts onto our knobs . We did it this way so that no metal was sticking out as we don't what our awesomeness scratching the wall.

After all the holes and counter holes where drilled and the knobs shortened we put them in place. We then put two saw teeth on the back so that it could be hung on the wall.

The first boar I made was for my dear sister. It turned out rather cute don't you think?!

Happy pinning and crafting!

-Jenny

Sparkly Gem Bottles

Hello fellow crafters! Jessica here. For the past week or so I have been working on re-purposing a blue wine bottle I had sitting on top of my fridge. I used the same gems Jennifer used to make her gemmed heart, mod podge, and a paintbrush. For the first wine bottle I made, I started at the top of the bottle, but after I finished and made a second one (this time using mutli-color gems) I found that starting at the bottom was actually easier because then you can hold the neck as you work your way up the bottle. And the gems can't slide down the glue because there are gems beneath them on the bottle. When I finished the bottle, I determined it is a bit...loud. I wish I would have left space in between the gems rather than pressing them all together. But for a super girly girl or a bling themed party (oooh maybe New Year's Eve center piece) it would work great. It was cheap and easy...just time consuming. I also made a smaller one with the different colors...I spaced the gems out more and liked the results better. Again, these may have to be party centerpieces because they are a little over the top for my taste. But it was easy-peasy~

DIY Gemmed Heart

A few years ago my mom gave me this chipboard or a hard paper mache heart. Originally she wanted me to paint it or something for Valentines Day as a prop for her photography studio. Lets just say that never happened. So long story short this heart has been in my box of random art supplies for the past two years with no purpose in life.

Well today that heart was found a new purpose. Thanks to Pinterest. Well sort of. I saw a pin a while back that I of course pinned for future projects. It's not the same, but it is essentially the same idea. The original pin had the letters for Love and they used quarters hot glued to the letters. Forming this neat mirror effect. So I was digging around in my things today looking for a easy craft to try out without having to get too messy or buy more things seeing it was pushing 5 PM and most craft stores would be closed before I got to them. I found the unused heart along with my container of small gems. I bought the gems a few months ago for another project and then had a lot left over. I grabbed my mod-podge and voila! Craft project formed!

What I love about this is that it captures light as well as reflects it. Great piece to add to any room!

Things I used that you might need!:

• Mod-Podge (But you can use craft glue if you'd like)
• Craft Paint Brush (One you don't mind throwing away if it gets nasty)
• Paper Mache Heart/Chipboard or even a wooden letter! 
• Box of Gems
• Paint if you want to paint your piece first (I didn't do this step for I felt it wasn't needed for what I wanted!)

Step One:

Prep your area and items. If you are using mod-podge make sure you follow the directions for it. Shake it well. Keep it sealed when not in use. If it helps pour a little bit in a butter lid and seal the container so that it doesn't dry out. When using mod-podge place a piece of a plastic sac down NOT newspaper. Newspaper and mod-podge DO NOT MIX!!  I use a plastic grocery bag and tap it down to my work surface. You can also use a garbage bag if you want. I didn't put anything down for I didn't think I needed it. If you are messy when it comes to mod-podge and glue do it. 

Step Two:

If you are choosing to paint your piece first do that now. Make sure the paint is dry before continuing on!

Start brushing your glue or mod-podge on your piece. Don't cover all of it for it will dry before you get to it. Work in small amounts at a time. 

Step Three:

Once you have some of the sticky substance down on your piece you can start placing your gems on it. Arrange it how you see fit. Pattern or Random it's up to you. 

Step Four:

Keep doing step three until  your entire piece is covered. 

If your piece has an edge on the outside like mine does than you can do the same to the edge. But just so you know. It is a bit harder 

to mod-podge the gems on a curved 

surface. So take your time!

Step Five:

Let dry. Use a command Velcro strip to hand on the wall! Or put a piece of ribbon on it and make it a hanging wreath for the door or window!! And Enjoy it!