Great Finds Friday: Books

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Welcome to Great Finds Friday on the Crafts ‘n things Blog! Before we take a look at some fabulous new craft books that have just been released, we want to announce the lucky winner of the Wishy Washi Tape prize package offered on the April 12th blog post. The winner is Ruby Thursday. Ruby told us that she loves to use washi tape to cover her phone case for a unique look she can change whenever she likes. Congratulations, Ruby! Please contact Stacey at tape@wishywashi.com to claim your prize.

Now, here are three new craft titles available in your local book or craft store that will inspire cute ‘n cuddly, warm ‘n fuzzy projects for home, gift-giving, craft fairs, and good causes close to your heart.

Adventures in Pompom Land: 25 Cute Projects Made from Handmade Pompoms by Myko Diann Bocek, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0386-0.

Welcome to Pompom Land, where handmade wool pompoms are transformed into cute creatures of all kinds. All projects reference basic techniques explained in Pompom Making Essentials, which walk you step-by-step through the pompom-making process, as well as the basics of needle felting. Different textures, small felt details, needle-felted appendages, and the illusion of fluffy feathers, manes, and tails add to the appeal. Projects include precious birds, darling woodland inhabitants, farmyard friends, zoo animals, popular pets, holiday designs, and more. With the author’s guidance and just a few basic materials (wool yarn, wool roving, wool felt, and desired embellishments), you’ll soon be creating personalized, beloved pompom critters for all occasions. Adventures in Pompom Land retails for $17.95.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects from Crocheters Around the World edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman, Storey Publishing (www.storey.com), ISBN: 978-1-61212-042-3.

When extra skeins of yarn are left over from knitting and crochet projects, it’s easy to collect quite a yarn stash. Editors Durant and Eckman scoured the crochet community to find the best crochet patterns using only one skein of yarn. The result is 101 gorgeous projects by well-known pattern designers from the U.S. and abroad. Projects hail from a wide variety of contributors, many of whom are bloggers, published designers, yarn shop owners, Etsy shop sellers, authors, and creative-industry professionals. Projects are organized by yarn weight and include scarves, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, bags, purses, jewelry, baby clothes, home décor, and amigurumi (Japanese-style crocheted stuffed toys). The book also includes clear stitch diagrams and a techniques glossary that will help even new crocheters succeed. Crochet One-Skein Wonders retails for $18.95.

Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond by Aimee Ray, Lark Crafts (www.larkcrafts.com), ISBN: 978-1-4547-0363-1.

In her first two Doodle Stitching books, Aimee Ray proved that doodling isn’t just for paper anymore. Now, she brings her irresistible art to a variety of embroidery techniques in a timeless resource for anyone with a needle and thread. The book’s 20+ projects feature a wide array of techniques beyond basic embroidery, all fresh and accessible and with extra motifs so you can personalize your creations. Techniques include cross stitch, redwork, crewel, sashiko, stumpwork, and more. Designs are delightfully modern and enhance a variety of surfaces including cloth, paper, canvas, and upcycled ready-made clothing. Don’t miss the Flower Hill Zipper Pouch (the perfect quick, creative, colorful accessory), the Butterfly Wrist Cuff (learn to tint fabric with crayons), and the Canvas Cuckoo Clock (the clock really works).  Doodle Stitching: Embroidery & Beyond retails for $14.95.

I’d like to send these three beautiful books to three lucky winners! Simply leave a comment that answers this question: “What new-to-you craft do you most want to try?” We’ll announce the randomly-selected winners here on May 10th.

Happy Crafting!

Dawn Gehring, Crafts ‘n things Editorial Staff

Clay Flower Hair Accessories

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Wear your bridal or prom look from head to toe with these lovely clay flowers. Shown here as pretty barrettes and combs, the flowers can also be attached to shoe clips or a purse clasp for a coordinated look.

Materials

  • Staedtler FIMO Translucent Clay
  • Barrettes or combs of choice

Tools

  • Decorating chalks
  • Jacquard Products Pearlescent Powdered Pigment
  • Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue

Basic Supplies

ruler, craft knife, paintbrush, oven, parchment-lined baking sheet, toothpick

Directions

Sizes

Flowers, 1⁄2”-3⁄4” diameter; Leaves, 1” long

Hair Accessories

1. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to condition clay. Roll into 3” long, 1⁄4” diameter snake; cut into 1⁄4” long sections. Roll each section into ball.

2. For rose center or rosebud, see Figure 1. Flatten ball and stretch into 1⁄4”x1” rectangle. Pinch right edge until thin and “ruffled.” Roll clay from left to right, forming “bud”.

3. For petals, flatten seven balls (for large roses) or five balls (for small roses); pinch edges to ruffle. Press petals one at a time to bud, proceeding in clockwise direction.

4. Dip paintbrush into chalk. Apply chalk to petals, working from outer edges toward petal center. Apply pearlescent powder to petals as desired. Trim bottom of rose flat using craft knife.

5. For leaves, flatten balls; shape into teardrops. Gently indent vein lines in leaves with toothpick. Shape as desired. Dust center with light green chalk and edges with dark green. Apply pearlescent powder as desired.

6. Place finished pieces on baking sheet. Bake at 265° for 35 minutes. Remove; let cool. Adhere to hair accessories as desired.

by Linda Welsh

Floral Heart Ring Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Delicate embroidered details accent this beautiful satin heart pillow to create the perfect keepsake of your wedding day.

Materials

  • Fabrics, 1/3 yd. each: ivory satin, unbleached muslin
  • Fairfield Industries Poly-fil Polyester Fiberfill Stuffing
  • Sheer ivory ribbon, 1/3 yd.
  • Light avocado silk ribbon, 3 yds.
  • Scallop-edge ivory bridal lace, 3/4 yd.
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss: Lavender Lt (#211), Pistachio Green Vy Lt (#369), Yellow Lt Pale (#745), Delft Blue (#800)
  • Plastic wedding rings, two

Tools

  • Chenille needles: #22, #24
  • Embroidery hoop
  • Sewing machine and white thread
  • Mechanical lead pencil

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins, iron and pressing surface

Directions

STEP 1

Cut two 12”x13” rectangles from satin fabric. Print pattern. Center pattern face down on wrong side of one fabric rectangle. Tape fabric, right side up, to light box or sunny window; use mechanical pencil to trace pattern. (Note: Inner heart line is seam allowance; do not trace.) Circles on pattern represent French knots; use very small dashes when tracing pattern onto fabric to ensure knot will cover pencil mark. (Note: Mechanical pencil draws much thinner lines than traditional pencil; floss must cover pattern lines.)

STEP 2

Sew zigzag stitch around raw edges of fabric to prevent raveling. Baste heart outline. Place fabric in embroidery hoop.

STEP 3

(Note: For all embroidery, use two strands floss and #24 tapestry needle. Use #22 needle for silk ribbon leaves.) Stem stitch Pistachio Green Vy Lt vines. Use silk ribbon to stitch lazy daisy leaves. For flower petals, wrap floss three times around needle to stitch Delft Blue French knots on solid circles, stitch Lavender Lt French knots on open circles. For flower centers, wrap floss two times around needle to stitch Yellow Lt Pale French knots.

STEP 4

To make pillow form, trace two hearts onto muslin; cut out hearts 1/4” beyond traced line. (Note: Sew with right sides together with 1/4” seams throughout.) Sew pieces together, leaving 4” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn right side out. Stuff with fiberfill. Whipstitch opening closed. Set aside.

STEP 5

Sew satin pieces together, 1/4” inside basted line, leaving 4-1/2” opening on one side. Clip curves; turn. Carefully press as needed.

STEP 6

Sew center of sheer ribbon length to center of embroidered pillow front. Place pillow form inside pillow; whipstitch opening closed.

STEP 7

Beginning at center top and using photo as guide, sew lace to pillow edge with scallops toward embroidered center. Tie rings onto ribbon.

Other Options

  • Use white or off-white floss and silk ribbon on white or pastel satin pillow.
  • Replace French knot flower centers with seed beads.
  • Stitch flower/vine design on bouquet ribbons.

Lasy Daisy Stitch Using Ribbon

To create the Lasy Daisy stitch using ribbon, bring needle up at A. Keep ribbon flat, untwisted, and full. Insert needle down through fabric at B and back up through at C, keeping ribbon under needle to form a loop. Pull ribbon through, leaving loop loose and full. To hold loop in place, insert needle through on other side of ribbon near C, forming a straight stitch over loop.

by Linda Wyszynski

Butterflies For You Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Create a springtime card with a feminine feel using new 3D M-Bossabilities from Spellbinders. These extra-deep embossing folders provide unmatched texture that is easily enhanced with inks, chalks, and more.

Materials

  • Bazzill Basics Paper White Cardstock
  • My Mind’s Eye Miss Caroline Collection Paper
  • Orange/white baker’s twine
  • Peach ribbon, 3/8” wide

Tools

  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System GC-001 and Grand Raspberry Spacer Plate GC-008
  • Spellbinders 3D M-Bossabilities Delightful Daisies Embossing Folder E3D-003
  • Spellbinders Dies: Borderabilities Card Creator A2 Bracket Borders One S5-181, Shapeabilities Les Papillions Two S4-395, Shapeabilities Charmed I’m Sure S4-399
  • Flourishes LLC Tag Lines Stamp Set
  • Ink pads: yellow, sage green, burnt orange, brown
  • Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Crafty Power Tape

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil, foam applicators

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4½”x6″ White top-fold card. Trim 1” from bottom of card front.

STEP 2

Die cut/emboss three A2 Bracket Borders One #1 shapes from assorted papers, two peach and one blue. Layer and adhere shapes to bottom of card front as shown. Bottom card edges should align when card is closed.

STEP 3

Cut White panel slightly smaller than White area on card front; emboss with Delightful Daises 3D M-Bossabilities embossing folder. Open folder and leave paper in place. Using foam applicators, apply and blend layers of ink onto embossed areas until desired look is achieved. Let dry.

STEP 4

Cut and adhere 5” ribbon length to bottom edge of embossed panel, securing excess at back.

STEP 5

Die cut/emboss Charmed I’m Sure Tag from White cardstock. Stamp brown sentiment on tag. Wrap baker’s twine around panel over ribbon, adding tag, and tie bow slightly left of center. Adhere panel to card.

STEP 6

For butterflies, die cut/emboss two Les Papillions Two #1 shapes, one from each paper used for brackets. Stack and adhere butterflies to card front as shown, applying adhesive beneath bodies only to leave wings free.

Tip

  • To keep the embossed areas from collapsing, leave the paper on the 3D folder when applying color.

by Christine Emberson for Spellbinders Paper Arts (www.spellbinderscreativearts.com)

Perk Up Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Invite a friend out for a much-needed coffee break, or just remind her that she’s loved, with this cute pick-me-up.

Materials

  • Gina K. Designs Pure Luxury White Cardstock
  • Pebbles, Inc. Seen and Noted Collection 6”x6” Paper Pad
  • Buttons Galore & More Red Button
  • Studio Calico Wood Veneer Embellishments: Hearts, Alphabet
  • Want2Scrap Say it with Baby Bling Silver Rhinestones
  • The Twinery Mandarin Baker’s Twine

Tools

  • Fresh Squeezed Stamps Hot Hot Hot Clear Stamp Set
  • Acrylic block
  • Corner rounder punch
  • Tsukineko VersaFine Onyx Black Ink Pad
  • Adhesives: Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L 3D Foam Squares

Basic Supplies

paper trimmer, detail scissors, scoring tool, ruler, pencil

Directions

STEP 1

Make 4-1/4”x5-1/2” White top-fold card. Cut 4-1/4”x5-1/2” panel from scalloped pennant paper; adhere to card front. Round bottom right corner on both card layers with punch.

STEP 2

Cut 3-1/4”x5-1/4” blue days-of-the-week paper panel; adhere to left side of card.

STEP 3

Cut 1-1/2”x4-1/2” red/white heart paper strip and 2-1/4”x4″ White cardstock strip. Trim one end of each strip to create banners. Layer and adhere to left side of card over blue panel.

STEP 4

Stamp Onyx Black cup image onto White cardstock; detail cut cup and adhere to card using foam squares.

STEP 5

Stamp cup label onto chevron paper; detail cut label and adhere to cup.

STEP 6

Stamp Onyx Black sentiment onto White cardstock and trim into long banner shape. Tie twine around end of banner and adhere to card using foam squares.

STEP 7

Adhere button, rhinestones, and wood veneer accents as shown using liquid glue; let dry.

Tip

  • For fun texture, use permanent ink to stamp cup image onto craft foam to mimic a foam cup or onto recycled plastic from a real take-out coffee cup.

by Michelle Woerner (www.stopandstamptheroses.blogspot.com)

Gift Card Ideas for the Ladies

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Welcome to the Crafts ‘n things Blog. Before we get started with the project today, it is time to announce the winners of the two $25 Inspired by Stamping Gift Cards!

The two winners as selected by Random.org are Emerald Perez and Barbara MacAskill! Thank you to everyone for all your kind comments. Emerald and Barbara, please contact Joanna (joanna@inspiredbystampin.com) to claim your prize!

As we get closer to May and June, many of us are sure to need gifts for the ladies in our lives. We may need a Mother’s Day gift, a wedding shower gift, or a graduation gift.

I made a card with a removable bookmark tag, but you can also add a gift card! The recipient can remove the gift card from the tag and still use the bookmark!

Tuck the bookmark and gift card into a decorated library card pocket.

Use stamped sentiments in a reading theme and attach a gift card to a local book store to the book mark. If you  have a friend or sister who loves tea or coffee, use tea-themed stamps and tuck a gift card to a local tea or coffee shop into the pocket.

Here is a look at the inside of the card where I stamped a reading-themed sentiment.

Supply List

  • Cardstock: American Crafts Coffee, Neenah Natural White
  • Designer paper: Graphic 45 A Ladies’ Diary Collection 8″x8″ Paper: Garden Stroll, Moment in Time, Fashion Plates, Ageless Beauty
  • Simple Stories Odds and Ends Memorabilia Pocket
  • Prima Fairy Belle Collection Flowers
  • My Favorite Things Well Read Stamp Set
  • Clearsnap ColorBox Graphic 45 Decades Dark Cashmere Antiquing Ink Pad
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting System
  • My Favorite Things Die-namics Fishtail Flag Stax Die 
  • Really Reasonable Ribbon Champagne Chevron Striped Twill
  • Large manila shipping tag
  • Bow Easy Bow-Making Tool
  • Adhesive: Beacon Adhesives Fabri-tac Permanent Adhesive, 3M Scotch Brand ATG Tape Runner, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Foam Tape

Gloria Stengel from Scraps of Life (www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com)

Recycled Plastic Bag Tote

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Celebrate Earth Day! Instead of throwing out those old plastic grocery bags cluttering up your closet, “go green” and recycle them into a sturdy and handy tote. Mother Earth will appreciate your efforts.

Materials

  • Recycled plastic shopping bags: blue, white, grey

Tools

  • Size Q (or 19) crochet hook

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

To make “yarn”, cut handles from plastic grocery bag. Cut 3”-wide strip from bag. Continue cutting around bag creating one long strip. Repeat process to create multiple plastic strips.

STEP 2

Measure 4” from end on blue strip. Make loop on hook. Chain 16. Single crochet in second chain from hook. Make a single crochet in each of remaining chains (15 single crochets total). At end of plastic strip, overlap 6” at end of first strip with beginning 6” of second strip; crochet two together. At end of row, knot end of first plastic strip with beginning of second strip before chaining one to start next row.

STEP 3

Chain one. Turn crocheted piece. Single crochet in each single crochet already worked.

STEP 4

To change color, cut blue strip 4” from last single crochet. Tie white and blue strips into knot at end of last single crochet.

STEP 5

Repeat process to single crochet two rows with white strips.

STEP 6

Continue chaining one and working single crochets, alternating two rows of blue and two rows of white strips for 34 rows.

STEP 7

To end, cut blue strip 4” from last single crochet. Pull strip through loop on hook.

STEP 8

Fold crocheted rectangle in half so loose ends are at sides. Tuck loose ends inside. Using grey strips, single crochet sides of rectangle together forming rectangle shape.

STEP 9

For handle, attach grey strip to top of rectangle on one side. Chain 30. Attach chain to opposite side of rectangle. Make single crochet in each chain on handle.

Go Green!

  • Many grocery stores and retail shops provide the opportunity to recycle your plastic bags! Make the effort to bring a bunch back each time you go to the store. This helps keep bags out of landfills and cuts down on the energy used to make new bags!

by Mary Ayres

Dog and Cat Pots

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Not only is this the cat’s meow, but it’s perfectly fine that this project has gone to the dogs. Create the perfect treat container to reflect your special pet’s personality.

Materials

  • Terra cotta pots: 2”, 3”
  • Polymer clay: dark brown, brown, grey, white, pale pink

Tools

  • Acrylic paint: dark orange, grey
  • Paintbrush
  • Glue gun and glue sticks

Basic Supplies

toothpick, baking dish, oven

Directions

 

General

(Note: Adult supervision is needed when using a glue gun and oven.)

1. Preheat oven to 275° F. (Note: When assembling clay pieces, be sure all pieces are pressed and stuck together.)

Dog

1. Paint dark orange on outside and inside top half of 3” pot. Let dry.

2. To make body pieces, use photo as guide. For head, roll brown clay into 1”x1-1/4” oval. See Figure 1. To shape head, use thumb and first finger to slightly squeeze one end of oval. For ears, roll two 1”-long teardrop shapes from brown. For nose, roll dark brown clay into 1/4”x3/8” oval; press nose onto front of head. Press ears onto sides of head. For eyes, use toothpick to poke two small holes into head above nose. For muzzle, use toothpick to mark slit below nose. For feet, roll four 5/8”-wide balls from brown; flatten one end of each ball for bottom of feet. Place bottom of feet on work surface, spacing feet so bottom of pot rests on top of each foot; press bottom of pot onto feet. Use toothpick to cut toe slits into each foot as shown. Remove pot. For tail, roll brown 1-1/8”-long tube. Bend tail as desired.

3. Place clay pieces on baking dish. Bake 1/2 hour. Remove from oven. Let cool.

4. Adhere back of head onto one side of rim. Adhere tail on back top of rim. Adhere feet onto bottom of pot.

Cat

1. Adhere back of head onto one side of rim. Adhere tail on back top of rim. Adhere feet onto bottom of pot.

2. To make body pieces, use photo as guide. For head, roll ball approximately 1” wide from grey clay. See Figure 2. Shape ball so head comes to slight point. See Figure 3. For muzzle, roll two 1/4” balls from white clay and slightly flatten. For bottom lip, roll tiny white oval. For nose, roll tiny pink ball. Press muzzle, bottom lip, and nose onto front of head. For ears, form two 1/4” triangles from grey. Press tiny ball of pink onto front of each ear. Press ears onto top of head. For eyes, use toothpick to poke two holes into head above nose. For feet, press white and grey clays together; roll four 1/2” balls; flatten one end of each ball for bottom of feet. Place bottom of feet on work surface, spacing feet so bottom of pot rests on top of each foot; press bottom of pot onto feet. Use toothpick to cut toe slits into each foot as shown. Remove pot. For tail, roll grey 1/8”x3/4”-long tube; flatten one end. Bend down tail.

3. Place clay pieces on baking dish. Bake 1/2 hour. Remove from oven. Let cool.

4. Adhere back of head onto one side of rim. Adhere tail on back top of rim. Adhere feet onto bottom of pot.

by Billie Ciancio

T-Shirt Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Rescue a favorite old t-shirt from the garage sale stack, then cleverly restyle it into a custom lounge pillow for your kid’s room.

 

Materials

  • T-shirt
  • Pillow insert, 14”x18”

Tools

  • Sewing machine and coordinating thread
  • Air-soluble fabric marker
  • Hook-and-loop tape (optional)
  • Beacon Adhesives Liquid Thread (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler or yardstick, straight pins

Directions

STEP 1

Place shirt flat on table, right side up. Use scissors to split side seams and to remove sleeves along seams. Cut across top of shirt just below neck, separating it into front and back sections.

STEP 2

Decide which way you want your artwork oriented, horizontally or vertically. Use fabric marker to draw a 19-1⁄4”x14-1⁄4” rectangle on front of shirt, encompassing artwork; cut for pillowcase front.

STEP 3

Draw 20”x15” rectangle on back section of shirt; cut for pillowcase back. Cut rectangle in half, creating two 15”x10” pieces.

STEP 4

Place pillowcase front on table, right side up. Place two pillowcase back sections on top of front section, right side down, lining up outside edges and overlapping edges at center. Pin fabric to secure.

STEP 5

Sew, or glue, layers together 5⁄8” from outside edge of rectangles. If necessary, let glue dry. Turn pillowcase inside out through center opening. Insert pillow. If desired, sew or glue small piece of hook-and-loop tape to opening to help keep it closed; follow package directions.

Tips

  • Sew a bunch of t-shirt designs together to make a comforter cover.
  • Use size L or XL t-shirts with center artwork for best results.

by Aimee Dolby

Upscale Your Dollar Store Finds

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If you’re like me, the clearance aisle and the dollar aisle at any department or craft store is like being let loose in a candy store. I always manage to find something that takes my fancy and that I believe I can “do something with.” It’s typically a piece that I describe as having “good bones” – meaning it is smartly designed, robust, and useful but typically in need of a special “something extra.”

This frame is just that. It is a well-made plastic frame that takes three 2″x2″ photos. It stands up well and it has a certain charm – but that soccer ball at one end just didn’t do it for me. I don’t have kids who play soccer and I’m not a soccer player anymore – though I did play in school – so this frame needed a touch of magic to make it mine.

The photos are easy – whenever I do a photo project I always end up with lots more photos printed than I will actually use so I keep a stash of photos in my craft cabinet. These small images of my cat Molly are leftovers from recent projects so I chose three that would look good together – they have similar color schemes and they are varied in zoom – I find a mix of close-ups and longer shots usually works well in multi-photo frames like this.

Next up was some text to break up the very black area of the frame. I didn’t know if rub-ons would work on plastic but there are lots of things I don’t know will work until I try them. Turns out that rub-ons work really well!

Finally it was time to deal with the soccer ball – I wanted something big enough to cover it and to make the frame work- the answer was a huge fabric flower. I pulled it apart to remove the bit that pokes through all the pieces which is used to connect it to the flower stalk. I did this because I needed a relatively flat back to glue to the frame. Of course as soon as you pull a fabric flower apart like this, it is now in lots of pieces! I used Fabri-Tac  glue to glue the flower back together. Fabri-Tac is thick and grabs fast so it is ideal for gluing flowers.

Once the glue was set, I used E6000 to glue the plastic back on the flower to the frame – although Fabri-Tac would have done just as well.

So, an inexpensive frame now has place of pride in my home and I have a couple more of these frames ready for re-purposing when I’m in need of a fast, unique gift.

So now, what have you found recently that was inexpensive but had “good bones?” What did you do to make it your own?

  by Helen Bradley (www.craftinggoodness.com)