April Showers

This has been a wet, dry, cool, warm, let's just say a ~crazy winter. The 20th of March was the first day of Spring. And it tends to be pretty rainy around here. So I needed a bag that was waterproof, fast and easy to make, and recycled.

So when I changed my shower curtain liner, I had to perfect material for this tote bag.

Today's Project is:

shower curtain bag

The top of the shower curtain was perfectly clean (we won't disuss the bottom part, ugh) so I cut off about 18" from the top. And cut the width big enough to get two grommets on either side (for the handles).

I had some cotton cord (that I think came off a gift bag) that made perfect handles.

I folded up the curtain (side to side) and sewed up the one side and bottom. The vinyl material was a bit hard to shove through the sewing machine, but I did it slowly and it seemed to work okay.

Then to make the bottom flat, I laid out the bag with the side seam up. I folded up the corner inward (forming a triangle) and used duct tape to fasten it down. I did the same thing on the other side. Now it stands up on its own. I used camophlage duct tape (just because I had it). I didn't think I would be able to sew through so many layers of this heavy vinyl, thus the duct tape.

Turn the bag right side out, thread the cord through the grommets and make a knot. This will keep the cord from coming out.

I have a book by: Jodi Kahn (simply sublime bags) that talks about making a similar bag, but she used staples and duct tape. So it would be a no-sew bag. She stapled the seams, instead of sewing, and then covered up those staples with duct tape.  So for those of you without a sewing machine, go for it!  YOU too can make cool stuff! And you can find duct tape in all kinds of cool designs. That would add lots of fun to this bag.

I have used this bag as an "emergency snow/rain bag" in my car. I have my snow boots, rain poncho, hat, scarf, socks, gloves, umbrella, and granola bar (I get hungry putting on those chains on my tires) I will use this tote for a beach bag when summer comes (I'm already dreaming about the hot weather :) ahhhh

You can use a cloth shower curtain also, the grommets are the things that make this bag easy. It wouldn't be waterproof, but water resistant at any rate. And nice strong material.

I know the Dollar Store sells liners (for $1) so it's a cheap way to start. And you'll have the rest of the plastic left over for lots of other stuff.  More ideas to follow...:)

tip of the day:

Don't let the winter doldrums get you down.  Spice up it up a bit... Let your loved one know you are thinking of them by using a bar of soap and writing a sexy, fun message on the mirror. So when they get up they get a little surprise...hey...it couldn't hurt!!!! And you can wash it off easily, and add something new later....Keep smiling~

That's all for this week...

:D



Hold it right there!

I love to take old things, and make them new!

I hope you are finding my projects fun and easy to do. I’m finding it fun to look around my house and discover all the recycled projects I have done. I amaze myself at all the things I have reused. Is that a good thing?

Project of the day:
recipe or photo holder

You need:

~a container (metal is best) but you can certainly use other things.
Here I used an empty spice can.

~Plaster of Paris (available at any hobby store: Michaels, Joann’s, Hobby Lobby, some hardware stores, perhaps Walmart)

~18 gauge wire (you could use a coat hanger, but it’s pretty thick and you need some muscles for that one)

~pliers

1. Cut a piece of wire twice as long as you want your photo holder to be.

2. Using pliers, curl the end several times to create a double curl. *

3. Read directions of Plaster of Paris (you need to add water to the powder mix to the consistency of thick cream)

4. Prepare plaster and pour into your container (the plaster heats as it sets, so metal is the best. I’ve used glass, but it has broken upon heat setting. L

5. Insert wire and hold til set.

*note: I curve the end of the wire (not the photo holder end) so it will not 'pull' out of the plaster easily. We don't want a straight up and out wire fixture.

This is a great gift for cooks. Add some new kitchen towels, utensils (see my website for some awesome, classy serving utensils) some recipe cards and ingredients. Put in a pretty bowl, wrap in cello, add a bow, and you’re set to go! Or how about a housewarming gift!

I have also used this idea for a new baby gift. I bought a pair of baby shoes at the thrift shop. I used one for the wire photo holder. I poured the plaster into the shoe, added the wire, and let set.

I added some baby goodies, and put their baby announcement on the photo holder. (you could also put some money on it). Place in a basket or diaper bag. You'll be the hit of the baby shower!

What a great momento!

TIP OF THE DAY:

If you use plastic grocery sacks to line your garbage cans, here's a tip to keep them under control. Take an empty Kleenex box, and stuff it full with the plastic bags. The top of the Kleenex box should have that plastic around the opening, this works best to keep the bags inside.
You can put these in every room, inside the cabinets to have your garbage can liners ready. And you'll be surprised how many you can jam in these. It sure is neater than all those bags floating around!

For gifts, check out my website: www.arttowearbydee.etsy.com

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THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY!

:D