ThriftyFun Crafts - July 5, 2006

Hello,

Welcome to the second issue of ThriftyFun Crafts Newsletter. There have been a lot of craft related requests posted since the last newsletter. We also have some interesting craft projects this week and some tips from our archive.

Feel free to share photos and descriptions of crafts that you are working on at the links below. We would love to see them.

If you have a website, please consider adding a ThriftyFun link or banner to your website. We would really appreciate it. We have set up a page with banners and links that you are free to use.

Link to Us:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/linktous.ldml

Also, be sure to tell your friends about ThriftyFun. We can't afford big advertising campaigns so we rely on "word of mouth" to spread the word about this website.

Happy Crafting!

Susan

Post a Craft Tip:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Submit a Craft Project (with a picture):
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml

Submit a Craft Request:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml

Today's newsletter contains:

Projects:

• Foam Stamped Light Switch and Outlet Plate Covers
• Pop Tab Belt
• Paper Mache Purse - Card Gift Box
• Pop Tab Necklace (Choker)
• Sand Pail Planters
• Pop Tab Bracelet

Tips:

• "Stained Glass" Baby Food Jars
• Lilac Sachets
• Dollar Store Templates
• Make Your Own Picnic Blanket for Less
• Prescription Bottle Sewing Kit
• Craft Uses for Old Clothing

Requests:

• Beauty Recipes Made With Lavender
• Cooling Neckerchief Pattern
• Crafts Using Washcloths
• Making Purses Out of Candy Wrappers
• Pine Tree Stump Coffee Table
• Painting My Cellphone
• Homemade Fragrance Oil for a Lamberge Lamp
• Recipes for Making Faux Food
• Crafts Using Window Blinds
• Making Braided or Hooked Rugs

Articles:

• Organize and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby
• Soap Making, No Boil Method
• How Do You Know If You're Using The Right Needle?

Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here

Today's Sponsors Eversave Sign up for Eversave and receive saving alerts from the nations leading brands via email and local coupons. More Information: http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1461549-10313907

Projects

Foam Stamped Light Switch and Outlet Plate Covers By Monica Resinger We remodeled our bathroom recently and when it was time to choose our switch plate covers, we were overwhelmed with the variety and prices of them. We wanted out-of-the-ordinary light switch covers but didn't want to pay the price -- and besides, we couldn't find any that matched our decor out of all that variety! So what we did was purchase plain, unfinished wood, switch and outlet covers and I painted them to match our decor. We did our bathroom decor in jewel tone colors with brass accents so I decided to paint the light switch covers in dark blue with gold stars. We love the 'custom homemade' look of the covers and it was very easy to accomplish. Below you'll find step-by-step instructions for how to do this. Before beginning this project, decide on the color and design of your covers. Try to include colors and design elements that are already in the room then go purchase your materials. Materials: unfinished wood light switch and outlet plate covers acrylic paint in your choice of colors small foam stamps of your choice spray clear acrylic (optional) The covers can be found in do-it-yourself stores, while the remainder of items can be found in craft stores or craft sections in retail stores. Instructions: Prepare a work surface by laying newspaper down on a large area then... 1. Base coat the cover with the color of your choice. You will probably need at least a second coat, maybe a third. Let each coat dry before applying the next. 2. Stamp on your design. First, plan your design, then practice stamping. To do this, using a small paintbrush, paint the acrylic paint onto the stamp then press onto paper firmly but being careful not to turn it to get a smudge. Once you are comfortable with the feel of it, then go ahead and stamp your design onto the base-painted switch cover. 3. If desired spray with clear acrylic for protection and easy cleaning. This is best done outside on a piece of cardboard or newspaper. Let dry then put the covers on as usual (a good job for hubby). There are many other ways you can decorate these; sponge paint them, paint on free-hand designs, decoupage or whatever else may inspire you. This is just one idea to get your imagination going. Have fun with it. Post Feedback: Click Here

Pop Tab Belt Make a fashion statement with some pop tabs, beads and twine! Items Needed: A lot of pop tabs thin twine (any color) or craft cord (nylon blend)* beads Instructions: 1. Take one pop tab and place it on a piece of twine that is big enough to surround your childs waist + 12 inches. 2. Tie it in a knot at the end, leaving at least 6 inches of twine loose. 3. Place another pop tab under the first with the bottoms (which is the side that would be down on your can of pop) facing each other. 4. Slide the 2nd pop tab slightly to the right. You should see an opening in the two pop tabs that is oval in shape. Feed the twine up through that hole. 5. Place another pop tab next to the first pop tab. You should see another oval of space when you look at the 2nd and 3rd pop tabs. Feed the twine down through that hole. 6. Keep repeating the add pop tab, feed twine until you have a long enough string of tabs to encircle your childs waist. 7. Tie the loose end of the twine in a knot around the last pop tab. There should be 6 inches of twine loose after knotting. 8. Repeat the entire process a second time using the other hole on the pop tab. (This time is a bit easier, as the tabs are already in place.) 9. String beads up near the pop tabs, then again down at the end of the twine. Leave twine open between the beads for tying around the waist. This belt can be adapted to be longer and used as a belt for an adult. * I learned the hard way that twine may not be the best thing to use on this craft. It unravels some, which gives the belt a unique look, but it is a bit thick to try to feed through the beads. In another set of instructions, it says to use craft cord (nylon blend). That may be a much better choice. You can use two different colored cords, too. Be careful that all sharp edges on the pop tabs are filed down before adding them to your necklace or throw those particular tabs away. This craft is rather difficult and time consuming. It would work wonderfully as a project for a crafters workshop. Nice project when you are working with teens. Post Feedback: Click Here

Paper Mache Purse - Card Gift Box Here are photos of the Card Gift Box I made for my mother-in-law for this coming Christmas. I took a paper mache purse I purchased at Michael's, painted it white and adhered cardstock paper punches. Inside the lid, I attached a small and medium ziploc craft bag with repositionable tape. The small bag holds address labels I printed for her and the medium bag holds stamps. The repositionable tape allows her to remove them and re-attach as necessary. I also fastened a pen holder using super glue. I created 10 different birthday cards (she had 10 grandchildren). The kit includes everything she needs to mail each grandchild a birthday card: Card, stamp, address label and a pen to sign it with. I think she's going to love it! Cheryl from Missouri Post Feedback: Click Here

Pop Tab Necklace (Choker) Make a fashion statement with some pop tabs and ribbon! Items Needed: A lot of pop tabs thin ribbon (any color) Instructions: 1. Take one pop tab and place it on a piece of ribbon that is big enough to surround your neck. 2. Tie it in a knot at the end, leaving at least 4 inches of ribbon loose. 3. Place another pop tab under the first with the "bottoms" (which is the side that would be down on your can of pop) facing each other. 4. Slide the 2nd pop tab slightly to the right. You should see an opening in the two pop tabs that is oval in shape. Feed the ribbon up through that hole. 5. Place another pop tab next to the first pop tab. You should see another oval of space when you look at the 2nd and 3rd pop tabs. Feed the ribbon down through that hole. 6. Keep repeating the "add pop tab, feed ribbon" until you have a long enough string of tabs to encircle your neck. 7. Tie the loose end of the ribbon in a knot around the last pop tab. There should be 4 inches of ribbon loose after knotting. 8. Repeat the entire process a second time using the other hole on the pop tab. (This time is a bit easier, as the tabs are already in place.) 9. Tie the extra ribbon in a bow at the back of your neck and enjoy. You can use two different colored ribbons, if desired. Be careful that all sharp edges on the pop tabs are filed down before adding them to your necklace or throw those particular tabs away. This craft is rather difficult and time consuming. It would work wonderfully as a project for a crafter's workshop. Nice project when you are working with teens. Post Feedback: Click Here

Sand Pail Planters By Rebecca Lanham Have an old, cracked sand pail lying around that your kids don't play with anymore? Have more sand pails than the kids could ever use in a summer? Now, you can make those sand pails into planters with their own matching plant markers! Needed: Sand pails with matching shovels (I purchased mine new at a Dollar Store!) Potting soil (seeding blend for seeds; regular for transplants) Measuring cup (or any kind of scoop) Watering can and water Flower seeds Flat of flowers Stones (or electric drill) Permanent marker Optional Items: Puffy paints, stickers, various colors of permanent markers, stencils Instructions: Step 1: Put stones in the bottom or your sand pail (or drill holes in the bottom) for excess water to drain. Step 2: Fill pails to almost full with seeding potting soil (using the measuring cup as a scoop). Step 3: Sprinkle potting soil with flower seeds. Step 4: Gently water the soil and seeds. Step 5: Take a permanent marker and write the common or scientific name of the flower on the matching shovel. Step 6: Place shovel handle side down into the soil for a plant marker. *If using already started flowers, fill pail about half full of regular potting soil. Place flower with soil in the center of the pail and finish filling around the roots with additional potting soil. Gently water and continue with steps 5 and 6. A sand pail planter makes a welcome addition to a shell garden or garden with a beach theme. Additional step: have adults or children decorate the pails before planting. Puffy paints, stickers, and permanent markers can be used. The permanent markers and stencils can be used for more professional looking plant markers, if you dont like your handwriting. This project is quite easy, and can be done by the youngest child. Post Feedback: Click Here

Pop Tab Bracelet Make a fashion statement with some pop tabs and ribbon! Items Needed: A lot of pop tabs thin ribbon (any color) Instructions: 1. Take one pop tab and place it on a piece of ribbon that is big enough to surround your wrist. 2. Tie it in a knot at the end, leaving at least 2 inches of ribbon loose. 3. Place another pop tab under the first with the bottoms (which is the side that would be down on your can of pop) facing each other. 4. Slide the 2nd pop tab slightly to the right. You should see an opening in the two pop tabs that is oval in shape. Feed the ribbon up through that hole. 5. Place another pop tab next to the first pop tab. You should see another oval of space when you look at the 2nd and 3rd pop tabs. Feed the ribbon down through that hole. 6. Keep repeating the add pop tab, feed ribbon until you have a long enough string of tabs to encircle your wrist. 7. Tie the loose end of the ribbon in a knot around the last pop tab. 8. Tie the extra ribbon at the ends into a knot so that the bracelet fits your wrist, but can easily be slid on and off. You can add to this bracelet by stopping pop tabs occasionally and adding a charm or beads to the ribbon. You can also keep the excess ribbon on the ends of the bracelets and add beads for decoration. This craft is rather difficult and time consuming. It would work wonderfully as a project for a crafters workshop. Nice project when you are working with teens. Post Feedback: Click Here

Tips

"Stained Glass" Baby Food Jars Here is a great idea I used a few weeks ago for a craft project for my kids. I take care of a baby twice a week and so I always save the cleaned out baby food jars. I also save gift bags and the tissue paper that fills them. I remembered this craft from VBS when I was a child. You dip out a little thinned glue into a container (I used the lids to the baby food jars). Provide a cheap paint brush (I found 100 of them at a garage sale for about 25 cents). Let the kids tear up the different colors of tissue paper into 1/2 inch or so pieces. Then they will glue them onto the outside of the jars. Overlap the paper to create a "stained-glass" look. When completely dry, go over with a coat of the glue or modge podge to seal it. Put a little tea-light candle in it. It looks great! These make great gifts for the kids to make. One note, you might want to spread out newspaper on the table to protect it from the glue. This craft is easy even for small children. Even my 3-year-old mastered and enjoyed it with only a little instruction. Have fun! Karla Post Feedback: Click Here

Lilac Sachets In the spring, I cut large bunches of lilacs. I hang them in a walk-in closet upside down for drying. While they dry, I stitch small pouches (from scrap cloth) and add ribbons for hanging. I put the dried lilacs in the pouches and give them to family for their closets. My closet has the fresh smell of lilacs for weeks. As far as cost there really is none as the cloth I use is scraps and the flowers grow all over my property. *NOTE* If you do not grow lilacs ask a neighbor who does if you can harvest some of theirs. By Kathy Editor's Note: This would also work well with lavender. Post Feedback: Click Here

Dollar Store Templates When you need templates for any kind of crafting; plastic sheets are available at most craft stores. However here's what I discovered: go to any "dollar" store and buy a package of cutting board sheets. They come two to a package and are quite large. I used one for a template for a "shabby chic fabric bowl" rather than paying $20.00 for the manufactured template. By Mairmie from Edmonton, AB, Canada Post Feedback: Click Here

Make Your Own Picnic Blanket for Less I saw a picnic blanket at Walmart for $14.96. After carefully examining this blanket I have decided that it can be made for a lot less. Take a shower curtain liner (bought at DollarTree for $1) and an old but usable blanket and sew the liner to the blanket, add shoe string ties and a handle and WOW! a picnic blanket that has just cost maybe $3 total compared to the $15 at WalMart. By Sandy Webber Post Feedback: Click Here

Prescription Bottle Sewing Kit You can use a prescription bottle to make a little sewing kit for travel or as a gift for a college student. It's the perfect size to fit a couple small spools of thread, a few needles, a needle threader, a thimble and some buttons. By Fisher Post Feedback: Click Here

Craft Uses for Old Clothing Turning Old Clothes Into a Quilt Sew outgrown childrens clothes, either whole or cut, into patterns for a worn quilt using an overcast stitch. You can quilt the pieces in as well. You can do a decorative pattern, or cover entirely. The end result is a wonderful keepsake to treasure. By Doggy T-shirt Pillows and Jeans Bags I've made pillows out of old tees, they are so warm and comfy. Also, cut diagonally down the shirt from the collar to the bottom hem and sew for a simple dress up skirt, an adult tee shirt makes a child's size. Another fun thing is to make bags from old jeans and pants cut off the legs where they meet hem the remaining piece at the bottom and tie hobby rope to the belt loops of sew on straps from the jean leg. You can also make small bags from the bottom of the pant leg. Just cut about 20 cm from bottom of one leg, and hem the raw edges together, you can add handles also. Hope you can use some of those ideas! E Welding Gauntlets From Jeans I use the legs from an old pair of denim pants for welding gauntlets to cover my arms while welding. After cutting the legs off the pants, sew some elastic banding on both ends. that holds the gauntlet in place at the wrist and at the upper arm. This protects the arms from welding splatter, and UV rays while welding. (Note - these are used in conjunction with welding gloves - OR the welding gloves can be sewn to the lower portion of your gauntlet instead of installing elastic there.) Rex Smith T-shirt Quilts There is a pattern for making quilts out of tee shirts that have a special meaning. Maybe for the Sports enthusiast in the family for graduation. A tee shirt quilt made from all their sports teams shirts. Donna Pillows When my Mother passed away it was up to me and my two sisters to empty out her apartment and do something with her belongings. When we got down to clothes we donated them to a mountain mission which gives them away to needy people. I kept some of her old cotton print blouses and couldn't bear to part with them. I was in the process of learning how to quilt. For a mother's day present I made my sisters and nieces a handmade pillow using the pattern called Grandma's Fan and cut the pieces from Mom's old blouses. Now we all have a momento of her in our homes. MamawKC Weaving Pot holders You can cut the sleeves from t-shirts into rings and use the rings instead of purchased loops for weaving pot holders. Great colors! You can also do this with the tops of worn socks. jlxian Baby Heirloom Quilt An idea I would have loved to do with my old baby clothes was to make a baby heirloom quilt to use for your first child or even better to give to your children for their first child. I believe it was in Family Circle Magazine a few years ago that they used the fronts of shirts or dresses and sewed them into each quilt square as if it were hanging on a hanger or something. Other ideas would be to just use the fabric to make your own design. Tawnda Braided Rugs Clothing can be cut into strips and braided to make rugs. these rugs are very durable and they wash well too. Gizzmo from Colorado Quilts for Dog Beds Old denim jeans make great quilts for dog beds. They smell like you, which pleases the dogs. I usually cut old jeans into rectangles and squares and sew together. To practice fancy stitches on your sewing machine, you can overlap the raw edges of the seams and reduce raveling at the same time. Lynn from Western Oregon Denim Quilt I have also made a Quilt out of my Hubby's old jeans! He never throws away a thing "it'll make a good rag someday" so when the pile became overwhelming I cut up the legs, stitched together with batting and a sheet and had a heavy warm quilt! I also have made Pillows out of old, beloved Shirts from my kids. They work real well as throw pillows on their beds. Just stitch up the openings and stuff! too simple and they love them! Terry R What are some craft projects you can think of using old clothing? Post Feedback: Click Here

Contest! Tip Contest To enter, visit: Submit a Tip or Recipe! Photo Contest To enter, visit: Submit a Photo! The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. My Frugal Life To enter, visit: Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! Frugal Travel Guides To enter, visit: Submit a Frugal Travel Guide

New Requests

Beauty Recipes Made With Lavender I recently came across some dried lavender flowers. Does anyone know of a website or ideas for soaps, scrubs, etc. I would also like to find out how to make my own lavender oil. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks, Elizabeth Gellise from Midland, MI Post Feedback: Click Here

Cooling Neckerchief Pattern Does anyone have and be willing to share the pattern and directions for making the cooling neckerchiefs that contain the material that absorbs 100 times its volume? Thank You. Camilla from St. Louis, MO Post Feedback: Click Here

Crafts Using Washcloths Does anyone have any craft ideas using washcloths? Thanks, Eleanor from Duluth, MN Post Feedback: Click Here

Making Purses Out of Candy Wrappers I am looking for instructions on how to make purses, belts etc. from recycled candy wrappers, potato chip bags, etc. Thanks for any help. Elizabeth Post Feedback: Click Here

Pine Tree Stump Coffee Table I have a large pine tree stump that I would like to finish and make into a coffee table but I am unsure of how to do this. It is 3 feet high and 2 feet in diameter with the bark still around it. Any advice would be appreciated. Karen from Boise, Idaho Post Feedback: Click Here

Painting My Cellphone Does anyone know if nail polish (such as Sally Hansen Hard as Nails) will damage a cell phone? I really want to paint my green phone red, but I don't know if it will do something to the phone and I definitely don't want that! Heather Post Feedback: Click Here

Homemade Fragrance Oil for a Lamberge Lamp I would like to learn to make the fragrance oil to burn in a lamberge lamp. Debby from Vinton, LA Post Feedback: Click Here

Recipes for Making Faux Food I would like a recipe to make fake foods especially the faux coffee and wine that you see in model homes. Kelley from Colorado Springs Post Feedback: Click Here

Crafts Using Window Blinds I am looking for a craft idea using broken window blind slats for children who range in ages from 2 1/2 to 8 years old. Thanks, Dee from Charlevoix, MI Post Feedback: Click Here

Making Braided or Hooked Rugs I would like some information on either braided rugs or hooked rugs. My mom used to make braided rugs but she is gone so need some help. Janiem from Eau Claire, WI Post Feedback: Click Here

Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here

Today's Sponsors Free Photo Organizer From Google "Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized." More Information: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61219677.tip.html

Articles

Organize and Enjoy Your Scrapbooking Hobby By Maria Gracia Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby! Besides being relaxing and fun, it also allows you to be creative and to spend quality time with your family and friends. Plus, it results in a storybook of lifelong memories. Read More: Click Here

Soap Making, No Boil Method When correctly made, homemade soap is of high quality, ranking with some of the better commercial brands of soap. It can well be referred to as "one of the few remaining bargains" for homemakers today. A thrifty housewife can save many dollars a year on her soap bill by making her own soap. Read More: Click Here

How Do You Know If You're Using The Right Needle? By Sarah J. Doyle As we get caught up in trying to get sewing projects completed and move on to the next one in the limited time available it is so very easy just to jump from project to project without giving any thought to whether or not we have the right needle in the sewing machine. Read More: Click Here

More Stuff Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users: Tip Contest! Submit a tip and enter our contest. Submit a Request Frugal solutions to everyday problems.

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.