Mini Boxes

Well, Christmas was awesome for me this year!!!

And I'm glad for every moment and everyone. I hope your holiday was a special one, too.

I snuck in an extra post before this one, in case some of you clean up your holiday decorations right afterward. So I hope some of you have saved some Christmas cards, as I suggested then, because this project will be using them.

We will be making:  Mini Card Boxes 

You will need: 2 cards, tape or glue and scissors

First step is to take the front off the card. You can use the back of the card for the bottom of the box if you wish, or if it has too much writing on it, use another card front. The bottom of the box must be a little smaller than the cover, so cut 1/4" off one side and the top.

Working on the blank side of the card, you will take a straighedge (ruler, envelope, another card, whatever) and put it on the top left corner across to the bottom right corner and make a line in the middle. Do the same to the other corners to form an X. This will show you the exact middle of the card.

Then you will take the top edge, bring it to the X, and fold. Do the same with all four sides. See photo below.  Use a popsicle stick, or the handle of your scissors to flatten down the folds well.

Then make 4 cuts as shown (only on the fold lines).

Remember...if you mess up, don't worry, start again with another card, practice on a card 'back' first if you want to until you get the hang of it.

Then you will fold in the two sides, and fold up the end over these and glue or tape. Do the same with the other side. That's it!

I have used these little boxes for so many things. They are just so fun to make. Of course, the bigger paper you use, the bigger the box. You can even make gift boxes from card stock, old calendars, etc., any stiff paper will work. Remember to save any greeting cards you receive also for little gift boxes the rest of the year.

How about this year you make several of these, and put in your goals and predictions for next year, stow them away in your Christmas decorations, and bring them out in 2012, and have fun seeing how many came true.  Or put nice thoughts into them (like a fortune cookie), hang them on the tree (just add thread to the lid corner before you glue it shut) and when friends and family come over, they can pick one. Or use them for a 'treasure hunt' to find bigger gifts hidden around the house (put the recipients name on the bottom of the box). Lots of possibilities.

Tip of the day:

Are your winter sweaters looking a bit 'pilly', you know those little balls of yarn that stick out and make your knitted garments look shabby? Well, here's a couple of ideas to get rid of them, take an old razor and shave your sweater (old razor is better, not so sharp) or I saw this one on TV: use the 'sticky' part of velcro and pick up those pilly balls with it.  Or if your sweater is totally hopeless, and made of wool, you can felt it. Put it into your washing machine on HOT setting. Wash a few times, and it will shrink up tight. You can use this for lots of things, as it won't fray when you cut it. Perhaps another post on felted wool, or old sweaters next time! :) stay tuned!!

and a HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all !

That's all for this week...

:D

Sweet Christmas

Hi Hi Hi!
or should I say...
HO HO HO,
It's almost Christmas, the merriest time of the year. Time to craft, create and give!

Today's project is good for a
1. last minute gift
2. a project for kids to do
3. a hostess gift
4. the best White Elephant gift ever

It is a:

CANDY TREE

You will need:
a bag of wrapped candy
straight pins (the ones with round heads are the easiest to work with)
a chocolate lollipop with Santa on it
a foam cone (from the dollar store, Michaels, Joann's or Hobby Lobby)
You can add ribbons or tinsel if you wish

Starting at the bottom, pin the top of each candy onto the cone. Work your way around, then up to the top.
Stick the sucker into the very top.

tip of the day:
If you run out of ribbon, or have some little scraps of wrapping paper you can cut these into long strips, gently curl them with scissors and make a bow out of them. Stack them and staple in the middle and add to your package. Cute!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL~ and to all a good night...
that's all for this week, have a great holiday!!!
Dee

Christmas tips

Merry Christmas!
Just a quick blog before my usual Friday post...
Save all those Christmas cards.
1. tear off the covers for use later. We will make boxes, and future postcards, etc. from these.
2. save the insides for next year's Christmas card list. You will have the names of the people who sent you a card this year.

Also, my hubby came up with a great idea...
Any of those Christmas lights that don't work any more ~
if they have a plug at one end and a recepticle at the other... even though the lights don't work,
you can use it as a (lightweight) extension cord. Yank out the lights, if you are worried about stepping on them.

He even went as far as cutting off the lights, and sodering the ends of the cord together. IF you are so talented, that's great. But for me...I'll have the extra dangles there until I get to the store and purchase a 'real' extension cord.

Merry Christmas, and remember what the Wizard said to the tin man ...
You are not measured by how much YOU love, but how much you are loved by others.
So spread around the cheer! It's the best time of the year!!!
That's all for now...
Dee

Cookie Exchange

This past Thursday we had a cookie exchange with my neighbors.
It was a great success and great fun. Not only did we have an incredible selection of cookies to pick from and bring home, but we had made plenty to add to our local community Christmas Baskets.

Everyone made 5-6 dozen cookies. We tried to inform the bakers who was making what, so we would not duplicate too many. Even if you are not a baker, get one of those Pillsbury slice and bake packages. But if you have a special recipe, it's fun to copy it, and have those ready to hand out to the other bakers. Everyone loves a good recipe!

I set out all the cookies on my dining table. Then I assign who will be the 'fillers' and who will be the 'decorators'. I get the glue gun plugged into the kitchen counter outlet (away from the kids). This we use to attach the box top decorations.

I printed some cards on the computer, with a message on the inside. The children that were there helped color the blank fronts, in the living room, with crayons (on my coffee table, covered with a plastic tablecloth). That kept them busy (for a little while :), so we could sort and pack up the cookies. After the Christmas Baskets were taken care of (1 doz. for each elderly neighbor, and 2 doz. for every needy family) we then could pick OUR cookies to take home.

One of our friends scored some cake boxes to put the goodies in (donated from her friend). But in the past, we have used plastic containers with decorated lids, and these work as well.

We always try to add a festive touch. One crafty neighbor sprays gold paint on acorns that she has collected in the Fall, and we add these, with a glue gun and ribbon to the top of the boxes.

One year we wove beautiful gold ribbon around laundry baskets where the food and cookies were to be delivered by our local volunteer Fire Dept. You could also get some styrofoam 'take out' containers, and wrap the outside with colored celephane. Leave the ends long, tie ribbons close to the box, so it resembles a big piece of candy. What a treat that would be to receive.

Everyone brings their own ziploc bags, or containers to take THEIR share home. It's a lot of fun to get together and share recipes and be able to not only take goodies home with us, but to share with our neighbors who won't have such a bountiful Christmas. Do you have an elderly neighbor who needs some holiday love?
Some friends couldn't make the actual exchange, but brought their cookies a day or two early. We distribute those, and then fill up some ziploc bags for them. It's a good excuse to go 'a visitin' to deliver their goodies, or have them over another time, for a quiet cup of tea and to enjoy some sweets.

Why not have your own cookie exchange? Share a glass of Christmas cheer and spend some time with friends. Remember, it's all the experiences we have together that make our Christmas memories. Not the shopping, or running around in a frenzy being too busy to enjoy each other. So take a breath, call up some folks, and get the flour and sugar out!

That's all for this week.
Dee

Ribbons Galore



I made this snowflake 25 years ago. And I still use it.

 I love making new things from old stuff

 I finished decorating my house for Christmas. So of course that put me in the mood for wrapping all the gifts I have been buying and making and hiding all year. hee hee
I like using all the things in my ribbon box, or bits and pieces of this and that which I have saved up.
And I love to make special wrappings and bows and this is where today's project comes in...

Today's project is:
Lacy ribbon snowflakes

You will need:
lacy ribbon or velvet ribbon
Fabric Stiffener (buy it at Michaels or Joann's)
glue gun
scissors
wax paper
Optional: white pony beads or small decorations for the center of the piece (I used plastic holly)

You can also make this Poinsettia with the same pattern.
Instead of lacy cloth ribbon, I used velvet ribbon and added white pony beads.

The velvet ribbon is pretty thick and stiff already, you do NOT need to use the fabric stiffener on it.
In fact, it would mess up the soft velvet.
These can be bows on the packages, or ornaments or both!



First you will cut strips, about 5-6" long and taper the ends as the picture below shows. For larger snowflakes, make the lengths longer, but cut only 5 or 6. For smaller snowflakes, keep the length down to 4-5" and make more of them, perhaps 7 or 8.
If you are using the lace and wish to hang these up on the Christmas tree for decorations, you will need to stiffen the fabric. If you are using them for package toppers, you really don't need to do this step.

To stiffen fabric, you pour some Fabric Stiffener in a bowl (line it with foil, if you wish, for easy clean up)

Then take each strip and dip it, then run it through your fingers to get the excess off. Fold it so the ends meet at a point. Place on wax paper to dry (several hours, or overnight). The stiffener will hold the ends together til they dry. You will have to glue them afterward.

this is messy, so use a big piece of wax paper to catch drips

After the strips are dried, then you can place them, one at a time, and glue the ends. Then hot glue them next to each other, one at a time. When you use hot glue with lace, be careful not to get your fingers in the way. Use popsicle sticks to press edges together. You will form a snowflake or poinsettia when you place the last piece in place.  Poke a hole in the velvet ribbon to hang for an ornament. With the lacy snowflake, just put the thread through one of the holes.

Hot glue beads or embellishment in the center, if you wish.  I put these on my packages, and tell the recipients that after they open their gifts, they can use the "bows" for ornaments on their trees. They love it!
Remember reusing is better than throwing away.


tip of the day:
If you run out of boxes to wrap your gifts, remember that the Post Office has flat rate boxes that are free. They are usually in their lobby, and come in 4 sizes.

That's all for this week!
:D

Dish it up!

I love to make new things from old stuff!



Well, it looks like Santa's workshop at my house. Trying to get as many gifts finished early so I can enjoy the holidays instead of feeling rushed and crazed! Half the fun of Christmas for me, is designing gifts that will be special for each person. I love themes too, and try to have one for every person to keep a common thread running through their presents. Today's project can have a theme, or not. That is up to you, this one is for my friend who likes wine. And the nice thing about it is that it is functional as well as pretty.

Today's project is:

a Decoupage Plate

You will need:

a clear (smooth)  plate or bowl (this can be a recycled one from your own cupboard)

ModPodge (decoupage goop)

a paper napkin (you only need one, see if your friends have any fun designs left over from a party)

1" brush

First you need to separate the napkin from its second layer. Gently pry apart at the corner and pull the white underside off of the design side. Then you have to decide whether to cut apart the parts printed on the napkin or use it whole. If you have a cocktail napkin, you may have a bit of trouble covering the whole plate. So finding a napkin with a design that is suitable for cutting apart and rearranging onto the plate may work best.

Once you have the pieces cut out and arranged to your liking, take the ModPodge and spread it onto the UNDER side of the plate or bowl. Gently lay the pieces down with their 'good' side facing down and smooth gently with your fingers or paintbrush. Be careful not to pull too hard, for the napkin will rip. If the napkin gets a bit wrinkly, that's okay, it adds to that Old World antique look.



Then you will cover all the pieces, GENTLY  brushing on the ModPodge over the entire back surface.

When it is dry you can turn it over and rub the edges with your fingers to get off any excess decoupage paste.

shown with a white paper behind plate to better see design

I like to add a decorative edge with a gold pen (available at the hardware store). Also sprinkle a bit of baby powder and work it around a bit, then brush or blow it off. This helps keep the ModPodge from sticking to anything.  This of course, is HAND WASH.

tip of the day:

When you are grocery shopping (especially in the winter and your hands are dry) I find it almost impossible to open those plastic bags to put my vegetables in. So what I do is tap my fingers on a celery wrapper or carrot package that has been 'sprayed' with the overhead water. Then it's a snap to open the bags with my moistened fingers.

That's all for today!

:D

Light 'er up!

I love making new things from old stuff!

Thanksgiving is over, and now we all start thinking about Christmas. Well, those of us who love to make our gifts and decorations better get busy, if you haven't already.  Here's a project that anyone can do, even kids, if they are old enough to hit a nail with a hammer, and not their fingers.

For that 'country' Christmas feel, it's nice to use everyday items instead of buying expensive decorations. And you get the satisfaction of recycling and making something yourself. Like this one...

Project of the day:

Tin Can Luminaries

You will need:
~empty (clean) tin cans (any size will work)
~hammer
~large nail with a large head (easier to hit, and makes bigger holes)
~towel

This project needs a couple of days preparation. You will need to start collecting your empty tin cans (not aluminum pop cans), of course. I found some canned corn that comes in a can that has gold colored metal on the inside. This makes the candle really glow. The cans can be any size, large chili cans down to small tomato paste cans and everything in between.

Then when you have several empty cans and they are washed thoroughly, and the labels have been taken off...you need to fill them with water to about 1" from the top. Put these in your freezer overnight until frozen solid. It is a good idea to put several in the freezer at the same time. That way you can alternate the hammering part. I'll explain that later...

After the water has frozen in the can, take it out and lay it on a bunched up towel. You want to make a 'nest' for the can, so it does not roll away as you hammer. It can be slippery. Also the towel will absorb any melting water. Don't do this project on your lovely glass top coffee table, or your bouncy couch. A hard surface is best.

You can make a pattern or just random holes. Random is best, don't be too fussy.
Keep in mind that the candle's light will show through these nail holes. So you don't want to just dent the can, you want to puncture the metal, and punch into the ice.  Older kids (especially boys) love this project because they can hammer, hammer, hammer away. It would be nice to send them outside if the weather permits.

The ice inside will keep the can from caving in when you bang on it. But after a little while, you will find the ice starts to melt (on the larger cans), so put this can back in the freezer and take out another one, and start hammering again.  If you get tired, leave the cans in the freezer for another time.

You will keep making holes all around the can, starting at the top and working downward. Now keep in mind, if you plan on using real candles, don't puncture holes too close to the bottom of the can. You don't want any wax oozing out. But on the other hand, you don't want a row of holes around the top only, you will not be able to see the candlelight at the bottom very well. Especially if you are using tall cans.
When you are done, leave the cans in the sink or bathtub so the rest of the ice can melt.

You can line your walk with these luminaries, and since they are metal, you can use real candles if you wish.  You can also make a nice centerpiece for your table, but if you do, I would use battery powered fake candles. The Dollar store sells them, as well as most other places now. They won't heat up the can, the table surface, or leave wax anywhere.

tip of the day:
IF you have a  paper shredder at home, which more and more people do have, start saving all those little paper pieces. AND throw in some green and red papers (construction paper, magazine ads, etc.) for some festive colors.  You can use these in your Christmas gift wrapping. Even if the item is not fragile, it looks much more special when surrounded with 'frou-frou' papers.  You are renewing and reusing. These are also great if you have to mail gifts to those far away friends and family. Pack them in your shreddings~and keep recycling!

That's all for today!
Dee

Pain in the Neck!

I love to make new things from old stuff!

With the holidays coming, and things getting so busy, I'm getting a bit stressed.
And when I get stressed, I get a neck ache. Not to say I'm a pain in the neck,
which I can be...but that stiff neck, between the shoulder blades pain. ARG!

So to get the kinks out in the morning or at the end of a long day, it's good to put a warm rice bag on those achy muscles.  Also a great gift (just use a brand new pillowcase or pretty fabric) for Christmas or a birthday.
*I made two, one for me and one for a gift. So I used an old plain pillowcase for the insides, and a nice new flannel one for the outer case.

Today's project is:

Rice bag neck warmer

You'll need:
~a cotton pillowcase (any old one is fine, remember we are recycling)
~long grain rice (not instant)
 2 small bags (36 oz.) will fill one bag, with a bit left over.
~scissors and a sewing machine
~velcro fasteners (optional)

Now some of you may not have a sewing machine, but know someone who does. If you do the cutting out and measuring everything first, I bet that friend of yours that has a sewing machine would be happy to help you. All the sewing is quick, straight stitching.  Hey, make one for you and give the other one to her.

You will lay out the pillowcase out, and measure about 8 1/2" from the edge, and mark lengthwise. Cut this long piece out. One side will hold the rice. The other side (slightly wider) will be the cover.
*This is IF you are using one pillowcase to make 1 bag. If you are making two bags, cut both plain case and pretty case in half lengthwise.

Take the 8 1/2" piece and cut off the 'hem'. (You want the inside bag to be shorter than the cover) Leave the hem on the wider (10 1/2" piece)


Turn cases inside out, and sew along the long edge of both. You will leave the end open to put the rice in.  Turn pillowcases right side out again. Set the larger one aside for now.

You must now divide the smaller 'rice' bag into thirds and mark. This will give 3 rice pockets within the bag. You don't want all the rice to bunch up at one end, right?

Now measure two cups of rice and pour into the bag. Take to the sewing machine and with the rice at the end, sew on the first marked line (about 9" from the end).  Fill again with 2 cups rice, and sew the next pocket (18" from the end). And lastly fill the last section with 2 cups rice and sew up the end completely.

Now you can take the larger piece that you put aside earlier, and add a little velcro closure at the hemmed end. This is optional, but a nice touch.

Now, if you get the outer case dirty, you can take it off and wash it, leaving the rice bag intact. Remember heating the rice is okay, getting it wet is NOT.

To heat up the neck warmer, put the whole thing into the microwave for 2 min.
It will smell like rice, but feel soooo nice!!
You can use this over and over with no worries about cooking the rice. And the shape of the rice bag conforms nicely to any achy part.
Perhaps you can warm your feet, and use it for warm lumbar support.
Hey you could even use it a bed warmer on these chilly nights.
Heat it up, and put it between the sheets a little while before you slip yourself into bed. Who needs an electric blanket? (Just an electric microwave)

tip of the day:
Since we are using rice, why not make a quick shoe deodorizer with that little bit left over in the rice package?
Get a couple of clean socks, mismatched is a good way to use up those "lost in the wash" ones.  Pour some rice into it, some baking soda, and perhaps some potpourri, I like to use the lavendar I dry myself.
Sew or knot or twist tie the end shut and mush, smush and squash the contents around to mix,  then stick one in those smelly sneakers.
These should absorb the moisture and leave a nicer smell.

That's all for today!
:D

Hardware for earwear

I love making new things out of old stuff!

Well, we survived Halloween. So now I am hoping people will take down their cobwebs and rotten pumpkins. And the bats are not invited for Thanksgiving, either.

I've been super busy with craft fairs, trying to cash in on the Christmas shopping crowd. So between creating my goodies, and schlepping them around trying to sell them. Whew! I'm pooped.

And since I make so many earrings, I end up keeping a bunch. So I had to custom make my own holder. So here is today's project:

Hardware cloth earring holder

You need:

1/4" hardware cloth
20 gauge silver wire
wire cutters
needle nose pliers

The finished size of the wire mesh is up to you.
It depends on how large you want your
holder to be. The wire is pretty stiff, so
you can make it fairly large and it should hold up. Mine is about 12" tall with a 7" base. (so I cut my piece 32" long and 8" wide.)

Keep in mind that you will need two sides and one bottom. This will be all one piece.
You need to cut the wire mesh so you have little wires sticking out. Because once you have cut the hardware cloth to size you will need to curl those ends inward. That way you won't have any sharp pokey wire ends. You will do this the total length. It takes a while, but it's a must.

Find the middle and bend it in half. Then bend each end inward 3 1/2". This will form a triangle. Where the two ends meet you will take some wire and weave it in and out securing the ends together.

I added some wire to the top, and curled it for a little swirly look. You can put ear wires on both sides if you wish for double the space savings. Or hang your necklaces from the top wires dangling down the back side.
The shape could also be made into a square, or cylinderical. 

tip of the day:

My neighbor found a good tip in a cooking magazine and I wanted to pass it on.
If your mustard bottle is getting empty, it's almost impossible to get the last drop out. So instead put in some olive oil and a little bit of balsamic vinegar and shake it vigorously.
Now you have some great salad dressing with some added mustard zing.

That's it for today!
And Thank you to all the troops on this Veterans Day.
:D

This is Ghostly!

I love making new things from old stuff

Autumn leaves changing colors, children changing personalities, cheesecloth changing into ghosts. It's a time of...change! For your Halloween decor, try these cute ghosts. It's a snap to make them, large or small, eezy peezy! It's not a new idea, but a good one.

Today's project is:
Cheesecloth ghosts

You will need:
~cheesecloth
~fabric stiffener
~black felt
~tall glass or vase
~tennis ball or crumpled foil
~Tacky glue
~wax paper, and Saran Wrap

You should double or triple the cloth (as one layer is too flimsy). The bigger the ghost, the more layers for strength.
Figure out how big your ghost should be. And cut it accordingly.
Take the cheesecloth and soak it in a bowl of fabric stiffener.

Take a glass or vase, and put the tennis ball on top.  (or crumple aluminum foil into a ball). Cover this all with Saran Wrap. Place on waxed paper (to catch the drips from the fabric stiffener.

Drape the cloth (which you have squeezed out) on the top of this, coming down on the sides. Form the edges into a nice shape. When this dries, it will be stiff in the position you have left it.

When dry, lift gently off the form.
Cut out a mouth and eyes and glue onto the face with Tacky Glue.
Use a battery operated tea light to glow it's ghostly, transparent self.

Tip of the day:
I parked under the pine tree in my driveway and got that nasty sap on it. I slathered some mayonnaise on the drips and let sit for about 15 min.  After that, I wiped it off with a cotton rag. Voila! Then I cleaned it as usual.
I'll save those pine boughs for Christmas decorations, and not for covering my car.

That's all for today!
Dee

Fabric pumpkins

I love making new things from old stuff.

The neighborhood is really getting into decorating for Halloween. The air is getting colder, we've had some rain, (and snow up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, near Lake Tahoe).

So I guess I have to resign myself to the fact Autumn is here.

So I will decorate my house too! Inside and out. Today's project is: Fabric Pumpkins

you will need:

~fabric (fall colors) I used an old cloth napkin, and a tablecloth.

You can use a new piece of fabric, or scraps from previous projects.

~glue gun

~stuffing (cotton balls, fiberfill, the one sock who lost its mate in the wash, etc.)

~green felt

~needle and thread

~green wire (optional)

You will need to make a circle template. I used a pot lid. Put it on your fabric (wrong side up) and trace around it. I used a pencil. The bigger the circle, the bigger the  pumpkin.  (ie. the bigger the lid, the bigger the pumpkin)

Cut this out. Thread the needle and tie the two loose ends of the threads together, so you have a double strand (stronger). If you don't have sewing supplies, you COULD use the glue gun, it's a bit trickier though. You would have to glue the edges as you try to scrunch them together. Watch out not to burn your fingers, ouch!

Sew a running stitch ( -  -  -  -  -  -  -  ) around the edge of the fabric circle. You will pull up the threads to gather the circle, but before you gather it up all the way, put your stuffing in.

Then knot the thread so the top is closed up tight.

Next take your green felt, cut out a couple of leaf shapes. No need to be perfect on the shape.

And cut a long rectangle also. You will roll up the rectangle, periodically gluing as you go, so you end up with a stem.

Now glue the stem to the top of the pumpkin with the hot glue. (You could sew it on too, if you had no glue gun).

And glue the leaves to the sides of the stem. The stem and leaves help hide the gathered top.

If you have green wire (can be florist's wire, or telephone wire), wrap this around a pencil to make it curly. Then wrap a few times around the base of the stem and twist to secure it.

You could use curling ribbon (used for gift wrapping), too. I like the look of the wire, though.

Make a bunch, for every nook and cranny. They look nice nestled among some Indian corn, or squash, in a basket, too.

tip of the day:

If you are buying the wonderful apples that are in season now, here's how to keep them fresh for a long time.  Do not wash them, wrap them individually in a paper napkin (you can pull the plys apart if the napkin has a couple of layers), and put them in a brown paper bag.

Keep this in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator. Take out the apples one at a time, as you need them. Wash them now and enjoy. You'll be surprised how long they last kept in the bag.

that's all for today!

Dee

Punkin' head

I love making new things from old stuff

Hi!
Well, things around here are looking very Halloweenie!
My neighbor and BFF Gianna was wavering between being a dragon and a knight.  So cute! I love to help out with costume dilemmas! I gave Allie, her mom, an old blouse that was silver and sparkly for her knight's chain maille cowl. And found G's dragon costume at a resale shop. Afterward I had my favorite Kindergartner Gianna over to help me with this great, simple holiday project. I found it in Family Fun magazine, and embellished it.

Today's project is:

Jar Pumpkins

You will need:
~old jars, no lids (labels off)
       pickle, olive, jelly, etc.
~orange paint (acrylic or tempera)
~green raffia, green silk leaf
~votive candle or battery candle
~painter's tape, or masking tape

To remove the labels, I soak a paper towel and wrap around the jar. Let it stand for a few hours, re-wetting periodically. The label should come off easily. You can use a single edge razor blade to scrape off any remainder.

Cut eye, nose and mouth pieces from the tape and adhere to the dry, clean jar.

Paint over the whole thing, on the outside. Not the bottom, but do the top edge.

When it dries, remove the tape to reveal the face. I sprayed it with fixative to help keep the paint from scraping off, but you don't need to do this, if you are careful with surface.

Take the green raffia and wrap around the top several times, and tie securely. Take a leaf and glue gun it to the raffia. (optional).

Put the candle or battery operated candle in and let the punkin' glow! The painting part is so easy, any age can do it. Gee had a ball, and loved her pumpkin family (she made four different sizes). These look great on the front porch steps, or grouped on the fireplace mantel.

tip of the day:
If you ever buy a cake or pie or veggie tray and it has a sturdy plastic lid, don't throw it away. Take off the paper. This is great for using under a large planter pot to catch the excess watering.  I have used these for a salad or casserole that I am taking to a potluck, and don't care if I get the container back.  It holds candy for Halloween trick or treaters and lots of other uses. Be creative and recycle!
that's all for today!
Dee

You "CAN" do this!

I love making new things from old stuff!
 I gave a party a couple of weeks ago, and wanted to use a harvest theme.
So I decorated my hanging light with canning jars with lights in them.
And I made an awesome: Can-da-lier !

Today's project is:

CANNING JAR DECORATIONS

You need:

~canning jars (used is fine)

~leaves (go out and gather)

~spray paint (autumn colors)

~rims for the jars (not lids)
~small battery powered "fake" votive candles
~wire, 20 or 24 gauge (black preferred, but any color will do)

If you don't have a hanging light, or ceiling fan to use for hanging these candle holders, don't bother cutting the wire into the long lengths.

I gathered some leaves and spray painted them (outside on newspapers). Let these dry.

Then cut different lengths of wire. Some were about 20" others were about 30" and sizes in between.
These measurements are not critical. Bend the wires in half, and place each end on the outside of the jars. Then screw on the rims, catching the wires inside. I left some wire extending below the rim, so I could bend it upwards, for added strength.

I added a small wire to the leave stem, and stuck through the leaf, and bent it around the wire near the jar tops. (this works best with a finer gauge wire, i.e. 24 or above)
You can make a leaf garland by using twine or raffia and attaching these leaves along its length. I didn't have time to make one, so I used a garland from the Dollar store.

Then I hung up the wires from my light, and added the fake votive candles. I first used real candles, but since the jars are at an angle, the wax melted off to one side, the flame went out, and left a big mess inside the jar. But if you are using these on a table top, you could certainly use real votives. I like the small ones with the metal bottoms, to catch the melting wax. No mess in the jars. You can scatter some of your painted leaves on the table, around the jars also, for a real autumn look.
(I used the garland idea here, because I wanted to drape it around and hanging down from the light. But next time, I think I'll make some for the table top also, and scatter the leaves around. I LOVE LEAVES ! )

I received very many compliments on this and really love the look of
Country- Canning Jar- Decor!

Another great idea came from my friend Bonnie McAskin (Sierra Candles). She took these jars (with the rims on), added a base that was a candleholder, and sells them as "Hillybilly Wineglasses". They are a riot. And would go perfectly with the 'canning jar decor'. Here's her contact info. if you'd like to purchase some: bmcaskin@comcast.net

tip of the day:
For those of us contact wearers, it seems we always have a couple extra cases lying around. If you don't wear contacts, perhaps you know someone who does, and you can use one of their extra cases.
These little babies make perfect spice containers.
Fill one side with pepper, one side with salt.  OR one side with salt and one with sugar. Hey...any spices you like will do!
But be sure you use the screw-on tops, as the flipper tops may pop open (what a mess that would be).
So if you are picnicing or packing a lunch or taking a road trip with yummy traveling food, you may need a little seasoning to go!

That's all for today!
Dee

Boxed IN

I love making new things from old stuff...

I hope you've been saving those greeting cards, because here comes another idea for them. I like to use this one for lightweight gift giving. Not only for Christmas and birthday gifts, say for those pretty scarves, or a tie. Gift cards, and money fit into these nicely, too for other occasions.
And what about Halloween candy for those special kids who deserve more than a lollipop? Some cookies, and little trinkets would be a welcome treat, also.

Today's project is:

Greeting Card BOX

You will need:
~5 cards, approximately the same size (and same theme)
~ribbons, or string, or raffia
~ a hole punch
~tissue paper

The Dollar stores sell cheap greeting cards if you have not saved up any.

1. You will punch a hole in all four corners of the cards
2. The four cards you will be using for the sides should be the same size. If not cut them to the smallest card's dimensions.

3. The fifth card that you will use for the bottom needs to be a square, the width of the side cards, so cut this accordingly.
4. You will lay out the cards as shown, and tie the ribbons through the holes at the bottom corners of the sides to the box's square bottom. Don't pull the ribbons too tight or the cards will bunch up.

5. Bring up the sides, and tie the top corners as shown.

The box will have gaps in the edges, but that's okay. Because when you give the gift, you will put in a piece of tissue paper (in the case of the scarf or tie). And if you are giving little goodies, put them in a ziploc bag first, then in the tissue paper. That way nothing will spill out.

You now have a decorated box, and made it yourself using recycled materials. Aren't you wonderful? I think so!

Tip of the day:
If you roll up your kitchen towels, THEN put them in the drawer, you can fit a lot more in, than if you folded them in the traditional way.  The kitchen drawers are usually pretty shallow, and the smaller size of these towels work well. Fold them in half, then roll up. Try it. You'll be amazed how many you can squeeze in.
I also roll up the bath towels too. They fit in the closet nicely, and I have some in a large basket in the bathroom, next to the tub.

That's all for today!
Dee

Corky Candle

I love making new things from old stuff!

Hope you've been enjoying some fine wine during this autumn harvest season...
and saving those corks.
The vineyards around here have some really wonderful wineries.
It's always fun to go wine tasting and if you don't have any corks at home, ask the winery for some of theirs. They always have plenty.

Today's project is:

Cork Candle

You'll need:
~32 corks, approximately
~old candles
~bucket filled 1/2 way with sand
~one new candle (about 1" less than the height of two corks)
~plastic grapes, optional
~glue gun

You need to find a large can or vase that you can use a form to use while you glue the corks together. Make the bottom layer first. The glue the upper corks onto the bottom ones, and glue them side by side. Hold for a few seconds each time to let glue dry.

In the meantime, take your old candles and put in an old metal coffee can, and place this into a pot filled with water (double boiler) and heat up to melt the candles.

this part you should do outside...
After your cork circle is completed, make an impression in the sand bigger than this. Put the cork circle into it. Push the sand snugly (but gently) up to the outside of the cork circle. (This will keep the wax from oozing out.) Use a can to tamp down the center so it is even. This will be the base of your candle and you don't want it lumpy.

Place the candle into the middle and pour the melted wax around it up to the top of it.

Let cool overnight. Then lift gently out the cork candle and brush off the excess sand back into the bucket. You can hot glue a cluster of plastic grapes to one side if you wish. ( just make sure it doesn't interfere with the candle wick)

tip of the day:
If you have removed tape from something and it's left a sticky residue, a quick fix is to sprinkle baby powder on it, and rub it around then shake/wipe it off.
This works for pine sap too. Sometimes it gets on my clothes or shoes.
I bought some tea cups and saucers from the thrift shop, and they were taped together. When I removed the tape it left a sticky mess. But the powder worked wonders, so I could handle them easily.
Of course these will be for outside use (upcoming project). If you were to drink from them, use Goo Gone.
Of course, Goo Gone will take it off for good, it just takes more time.

That's all for now...
Dee

Minty fresh idea

Wow, where did the summer go?
I was looking back when I started blogging and talking about the hot weather, and picnics and summer fun. And now it's the beginning of autumn. Although it's still warm up here in the foothills.
Not that I mind fall that much, it gets a bit cooler, and the leaves start turning pretty colors.
What I don't like is what follows autumn...winter! ugh.
I hate cold weather. And count the days til it gets warmer again.
So what do I do on cold days, stay in and make stuff!

Mint Tin Containers

you need:
~small metal containers (such as Altoid mint tins, I also got a few tins from cigars that my husband ordered)
~ duct tape (get decorative designs: like zebra stripes or tie dye designs, from Walmart or Michaels)
~optional: squeezy paint

The duct tape sticks really well to the tins. Make sure they are clean, shake out the mint crumbs from inside, too. I rounded the edges of the tape so it fit with the shape of the tin. After the tape is on, burnish it down with your fingernail or popsicle stick so you get a good flat finish. Although it won't look smooth, it looks kind of leathery, and that's a good look.
You can cover only the top, but I like to do the bottom and inside lid.

Then I added some embellishments with the squeezy paint, like dots around the edges, or fake laces or stitches. This paint takes a while to dry, so keep that in mind (you might only want to do the top)

If you have small tins, you can make a keychain with it. Take a hammer and nail and make 2 holes in one end. You'll have to open the top and work on a firm surface (like scrap wood). You don't want to bend the metal. Loop a piece of string or twine (with a bead or two, if you want) through the holes, and tie inside the tin, double knot and trim ends.
Then get a big key ring, and fasten it to the string.

You'll find lots of uses for these little gems:
1. I use one for traveling, to put my recycled aluminum can earrings in so they don't get crunched.
2. If you made a keychain, you can keep your vitamins or pills you take daily in there. That way you'll have it with you at all times.
3. It's the perfect size to fit credit cards, your driver's license and change. It fits into the back pocket of jeans nicely too, when you don't want to lug a purse or wallet around.
4. Kids love little boxes to put little treasures in.
5. Use it for gift giving for Christmas or birthdays. Put a gift card in it, a ribbon around it- instant gift. No need for further wrapping.
6. Or make an emergency sewing kit. Fill it with a few safety pins, a needles with a long piece of thread on it (stuck into a piece of cardboard and folded over the sharp tip), a few buttons of different sizes and small emery board.

Make a bunch, they're fun and useful, and recycled!

tip of the day:
While visiting Montana last month, I spilled tea on my white pants. My friend Kathy suggested getting out the stain using Dawn detergent.  Now this is the 'original' Dawn (she said that works best).
Take a small amount in your palm, add a little water and suds it up, and then rub onto the fabric. I did this several times, and using my fingernail to scritch it in a bit, the tea blotches started coming out. Wash as usual, but do not dry it, until you check to see if the stain is gone. If not, repeat process.  (Heat will set the stain in and make it virtually impossible to get out). And tea and coffee are really tough to remove.
I was overjoyed! Or should I say "over-dawned"? sorry 'bout that, I couldn't help it.

That's all for now...
:D

That's the key!

It's back to school. And that means driving around, which also includes keeping your keys handy and why not have a key chain that not only looks good, but that you made yourself!
A hardware store is such a fun place for us crafters. You'll never know what things you can find to make into chic/industrial/unique items. Like this project...

Wire/Beaded 
Key Chains

You will need:
~covered wire, 18 gauge (find at the hardware store)
~beads
~wire, 24 gauge
~key ring
~pliers (needle nose preferred)
~wire cutters

You can cut the plastic covered wire to about a 1 foot length. Using your needle nose pliers curl one end into a curve. As you can see from the picture, the curves are up to you. You can make a big "S" or a small top "S". You can make your keychain bigger or small according to the length you start with.

I took the 24 gauge wire and wrapped it around the curve to keep it together. Tuck the end of the wire into itself. And you can always use a drop of E6000 glue to keep secure.

Then curve the bottom half and wire a bead onto it. To keep the bead from falling off, you can either use a smaller bead on the bottom, or curve/twist the wire into a small bundle to keep the bead on.
Check out my kid's blogs too:
http://melittaberze.blogspot.com/ and
http://www.apairofneedles.blogspot.com/

We are a crafty bunch! :)

Tip of the day:
If you ever use "Yankee Candles" or something similar -  you know they come with a nice glass lid. Well, what do you do with this when you open it up to burn the candle? Turn it upside down and put a votive candle in it. It will catch any drips and look better than that crinkled up piece of aluminum foil you are using.

That's all for today!
Dee

Art in the Orchard

Not only do I love making new stuff from old things,but I love selling them even more!

The last weekend of August I spent a wonderful two days with my daughter Dana in the middle of an apple orchard.
We were selling our creations at the El Dorado County Artists sponsored: Art in the Orchard.

In the middle of this beautiful apple orchard, there were artists of all kinds. Fine art, crafts, handmade goodies galore. Along with live music, food, and fun events for kids, we had a great two days.

Dana made hats, bags, and wallets, as well as her fine art set up on apple crates  I had Betsy's (Dana's twin sister) prints and cards as well.

Besides these awesome creations, I had my own recycled aluminum can jewelry, and fused glass stuff. I also made some recycled beer bottle glasses, as well as recycled fabric bags and tins.

The weather was hot, the company was exceptional and the scenery was beautiful. All who came had a fun time, and we enjoyed each and every person who stopped by to chat, shop and enjoy our wares.

For a sneak peek at the kids' stuff check out their websites:
dana@danabetsy.com  and betsy@danabetsy.com  and of course mine: http://www.arttowearbydee.etsy.com/

Tip of the day:

I use a carabiner (that I took off my metal water bottle)  to secure my keys onto the outside of my purse. I got tired of hunting for my car keys at the bottom of the abyss, so now I attach them to the outside of my purse, and can lock the car, and unlock it, while the keys are dangling on the outside of my bag. And I find them in a snap.
It's so much faster and easier, and I'm much happier. :)

That's all for now!

Dee

Hey Pin head!

Well, we're back from Montana. And I must say as much as I enjoyed it, I'm very glad to be home. I can work on my blog, and make earrings and...
figure out new ways to make new things from old stuff!

I got back into my studio and started sewing some great purse size/open up to be big bags.  (see my website for an example: http://www.arttowearbydee.etsy.com/ And as I was picking out pins and needles from my pin cushion, it dawned on me that I had today's great project!

This pin cushion is 29 years old, so it may look a bit shabby. It has gotten a lot of use but is still going strong. When my girls were babies (being twins) I used a whole lot of baby wipes. And it was a shame to throw away the sturdy plastic containers. And so I used them for everything from storing their small toys, jewelry, puzzle pieces to...

wet ones/ pin cushion

You will need:

~an empty cyclindrical wet wipes container

~fabric

~piece of foam

~glue (glue gun, spray glue, or our good old 'strong glue' like E6000)
~optional trim: lace, ribbon

Take a piece of paper and fold around the container, this will be the pattern to go around it, leaving an extra inch for overlap.
Measure from the bottom to the where the lid fastens. Cut your paper pattern accordingly so this will be your height.
Put this paper pattern onto your fabric and cut leaving a 1/2 inch border all around. You will be folding this excess under so you have a nice finished edge.

Now take another paper and put under the lid and trace around it. This will be your pattern for the top. You will place this on your fabric and cut around it leaving a 2" border all around. Because this has to cover the top and hang over the edges also.

Use the same pattern to cut your piece of foam. You can get this from a packing box, that perhaps some electronic equipment came in, or from a fabric store. I always seem to have this stuff. Not sure where I snagged it, but I save everything.

Anyway... now you will iron the edges of the main fabric under, so it fits exactly around the container, but no frayed edges are showing. Adjust the ironed edge accordingly. You should have an inch extra to wrap around, so just iron a nice edge on one side. The frayed edge will be underneath.

You don't have to iron the edge of the top circle, if you are using a piece of lace to cover it. If not, iron it under about 1/4" and use your glue to fasten it down. If you can sew, sew the edge under. You can also sew the edges of the main container fabric also instead of gluing. And since you are using this for a pin cushion, I'm assuming you are someone who sews.

Take the glue and spread it around the container and press the fabric onto this. Remembering to start with the frayed edge and wrapping over it with the finished edge.  Use rubber bands or masking tape to hold it securely til dry.

Put glue on the lid and press down the foam. Put glue on the foam and edges of lid and press your fabric circle down on this. If you are using lace add some glue to the lace and press onto the edge of the lid. This should overlap and hang down over the edge of the fabric to cover the raw edge.

I store lots of sewing goodies inside the container, so it does double duty while taking up a small space on your table.

TIP OF THE DAY:
Summer time = swimming. And if you get swimmer's ear (water trapped in the ear canal) from swimming or even in the shower... here's a household solution. Take a cotton ball, and soak it with rubbing alcohol. Drip 4-5 drops into the ear and keep your head tilted so it can dry it out for a couple of minutes.
(If you look at the ingredients of a purchased bottle of Swim-Ear you'll see 95%Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). This is a drying agent.
As always, keep out of eyes.

That's all for today!
Dee

Play your Cards right!

I love making new things from old stuff!

Greeting cards are one of my very favorite things to recycle. There are such beautiful designs, funny or cute or quirky, it's a shame to throw them away after the big day.

So start saving those Christmas cards and greeting cards that you receive. I will have loads of things to do with them.

This little gift box is perfect for gift cards, jewelry, cash, etc. Add a ribbon around it, some tissue paper inside, and you've got an already decorated box.

Today's project is:

Pillow gift box

you need:

~ a used greeting card (the larger, the better)

~ scissors

~ exacto knife

~double stick tape or Elmer's glue or Tacky glue

Step one is to make flaps on the 'open' edge of the card.

Keep it folded, crease a fold about 1/2" wide through both sides. Crease the fold with a popsicle stick, edge of scissors or your fingernail. Then open up the card and fold both flaps outward.

Next, you will cut the top and bottom of the card in an arc. Cut right off the edges, through the folded flaps.

Then open the card, design side facing up. You'll take the exacto knife, and gently score under the cut edges mirroring the arc. (not on the flaps)

See dotted lines in the picture below.

(These score lines aid in folding the top and bottom of the gift box closed.)

Now take the double sided tape and put on one of the flaps. Fold the flaps inward and close the card. Press up and down to seal securely.

OR glue one flap and close the box, and hold til dry. (You can use clothes pins or paper clips to keep it tightly together as it dries.)

Now you gently ease the curved tops and bottoms down to close the box. (See picture at the top of this blog) It puffs up a bit, therefore the name "pillow box".

It may seem a bit complicated at first, but if you do a bunch, you'll be cranking these out in no time. I always have some handy for special occasions (and to put my recycled aluminum can earrings in).

And remember, if you mess up, throw it away. It's not brain surgery, no one will die if you don't do it the right way. That's the beauty of recycling, you are giving something a second chance where most people wouldn't. So no guilt.

Keep trying and with every attempt you'll get better and better.

tip of the day:

I don't know about you, but I get WAY too many catalogs in the mail. Instead of throwing them away, here are a couple of ideas.

1. use them for a 'gluing station'. If you use a glue stick for your projects, go ahead and smear off the paper onto an open catalog page. If you have more to do, just turn the page and you'll have a fresh surface to get sticky.

2. If you have kids in the house, give them a 'treasure hunt' through the catalog.

ie. Give them a list to find, such as a 'blue' thing, a 'round' thing, a 'dog', etc. They can rip out the page when they find it until they collect all the treasures that you have selected. Then they get a treat.

I have loads more, but that's all for now.

Dee