ThriftyFun Crafts - September 30, 2009

I hope everyone is enjoying early fall and working on crafts for the holiday season. Please send in your Halloween or Thanksgiving craft ideas. Or tell us what you are making for Christmas gifts this year.

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Painting Clay Pots
• Craft Project: Handy Tote
• Craft: Recycled Window
• Craft Project: Spooky Halloween Card
• Craft: Plastic Bag Holder
• Craft Project: Bag Butterfly
• Crock Pot Strap Pattern
• Craft Project: Recycled Cardboard Vase
• Craft Project: Door Scarecrow

Tips:

• Make a Hand With Plaster of Paris

Requests:

• Pattern for Plastic Bag Pumpkin
• Birch Tree Shaving Roses
• Homemade Pine Cone Fire Starters
• Soap Making
• Selling Scrapbooking Services
• Piece Is Missing from a Barbie Clothes Pattern
• Making Button Bracelets
• Making Mittens Out of Wool Sweaters
• Sewing Zippers
• Elmo Doll Pattern
• Crocheted Santa Hat Pattern
• Rocking Chair Cross Stitch Pattern
• Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas for a Toddler
• Plastic Canvas Barbie Furniture
• Sewing Patterns Swap Groups
• Make Your Own Mailbox

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
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Painting Clay Pots

I like to dress up terra cotta pots with acrylic paints. One technique is to use three colors or more and a sponge. You only need a small squirt of each color, great for using those leftovers.

Make sure your pot is dry. First, spray inside and out with a good coat of polyureathane or lacquer and let dry. You'll want to use three or more colors of paint. It just takes a small amount of each. I squirt my darkest shade onto a paper plate.

Start with slightly damp sponge, dip into paint, then blot onto newspaper a few times. Lightly press the sponge to the pot to apply paint. You don't need to totally cover it. Each coat needs to dry completely.

Next, repeat with next lighter shade. Be sure to let some dark show through. Keep repeating dark to lightest. I usually paint the rim and inside just past the dirt line. It's finished when it's to your liking.

After last color is dried, use a coat or two of clear lacquer or polyurathane inside and out to seal paint from moisture or your pretty paint will bubble and peel.

At the DIY TV site, there are all kinds of projects to do using clay pots. I've made bird feeders, light houses, and even a clay pot boy. These make terrific, low cost gifts out of pots folks want to toss or give you for cheap. My friends all say this would be a good moneymaker at bazzars or craft fairs. I will try to post pics later.

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Craft Project: Handy Tote

A handy tote can be made to carry any number of things. If you have a heavy object to lift but you can't get a good grip on it, the weight can be distributed between two people, as my husband and I found out the day we moved a concrete bird bath.

Materials:

• Strong material such as denim
• Sewing machine
• Two broom handles (or similar doweling)

Instructions

Cut the material as shown. Turn under long edges and hem. Reinforce the U-shaped cutouts with 2 inch bias binding (cut diagonally from the denim.) Double stitch. Fold short ends of tote over to form loops big enough to slide broom handles through. Double stitch seam, and back stitch at the ends, as this is where the tote is most apt to tear.

preserver

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Craft: Recycled Window

Instead of turning an old window into a decorative mirror, I decided to smudge up the glass with grey acrylic paint. I then finger painted "milk" bottles in each pane. This went well with my country kitchen/vintage decor.

By Tracy from Matheson, Ontario

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Craft Project: Spooky Halloween Card

It's fun, easy and a real treat to send spooky greetings to all your family and friends at Halloween. What's more, everyone is bound to appreciate receiving a hand-made card to open just as the lights are dimmed on All Hallows' Eve!

Approximate Time: 30 minutes plus drying time

Supplies:

• A rectangular piece of coloured card
• Thin strips of card in a contrast colour
• A coloured envelope – to accommodate a folded card
• A pencil and ruler
• A pair of scissors
• A craft knife
• Non-toxic PVA glue
• A small brush
• Glitter
• Spooky embellishments – pumpkins, ghosts, bats…
• Foam pads

Instructions:

1. Mark the centre of a piece of card with a light pencil line.

2. With a craft knife gently score along this line and crease with a ruler to make a crisp fold.

3. Decide whether you want your design to be portrait or landscape.

4. Glue thin strips of card in a contrast colour to the front of your card to make a grid and then add some spooky embellishments within the grid, using foam pads to give a three-dimensional look.

5. To follow, paste on glue and then sprinkle glitter over your card to create solid areas of colour and some sparkly words.

6. Tip card slightly to remove any remaining glitter and let dry.

s an extra special treat, write a spooky verse inside your card or get the children to draw scary faces, instead.

7. Decorate an envelope to match the theme of your card.

By Anne from United Kingdom

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Craft: Plastic Bag Holder

I know these have been made before, but I have not seen them here. This is a bag holder, for, in this case, grocery size bags, which we reuse in our small trash containers throughout the house. We are aware of the push to go "green" but that is quite expensive, and not in our income ability at this time. We do have need of liners for the small trash cans, and our rural garbage carrier asks that the trash, is put in bags for their convenience in loading.

These are made of scraps of fabric, or can be made of worn out pants legs, or sleeves, use your imagination.

Close a seam down the side, and enclose the top with an opening on each end to run a tie through for attaching over a hook on the back of a door, or a hook in a closet. Put a strip of elastic on the bottom, drawing it just tight enough so that the size bags you are using can be pulled through, but do not fall out easily. When you stitch the hem up over the elastic, make sure you secure each end to the tightness you want.

We have these in the garage for reusing large leaf bags, and the uses are endless. Hope you enjoy making, even sharing them.

By Loretta from Theodore, AL

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Craft Project: Bag Butterfly

A very simple project kids can make to decorate their rooms.

Approximate Time: 15 - 20 minutes

Supplies:

• holiday garland or shredded tissue paper
• plastic sandwich bag
• cellophane tape
• pipe cleaner
• aluminum foil
• glue
• string

Instructions:

Place some holiday garland or shredded tissue paper into a plastic sandwich bag. Fold the top of the bag over and seal it with cellophane tape.

Gather the bag at the center, and wrap the center with a pipe cleaner to form the butterfly body. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to form the antennae.

Roll the ends of the antennae into small coils. Crumple small pieces of aluminum foil into two small balls and glue the balls to the pipe cleaner coils to finish the antennae.

Attach a piece of string to the butterfly body so you can hang it from the ceiling or from a curtain rod.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Crock Pot Strap Pattern

A few of the newer crock pots come with a strap to hold the lid in place, but mine didn't. One day my crock pot turned over in the car, that's when I decided to crochet my own strap. It has turned over once with the strap on, but all that was lost from the baked beans was a small amount of liquid.

I put the strap on while cooking because it discourages people from "peeking" and it goes on the shelf for storage with the strap on so the lid won't accidentally fall when I take it in and out of the cabinet.

There is a buttonhole in the center of the strap. I 'button' that onto the lid's knob, then run each end of the strap through a handle, then back to the top where I button each end of the strap to the knob. It's a simple gadget, but one of the most useful things I have ever crocheted

Crock Pot Strap Pattern:

Not all crock pots are the same size, so have your crock pot handy.

Supplies:

• 4-ply worsted weight cotton or yarn
• crochet hook that is not too big. The larger the hook, the thinner the strap.

Directions:

(1) Ch 13, dc in 4th ch from hook and in nx 9 sts. Ch 3, turn.

(2) Dc in nx 9 sts, ch 3, turn.

(3) Dc in nx 4 sts, ch 3, turn.

(4) Dc in nx 4 sts, fasten off.

You just made half of the button hole. To make the other half, attach yarn with a sl st to the last stitch of row 2.

(5) Ch 2, dc in nx 4 sts, ch 3, turn.

(6) Dc in nx 4 sts, ch 3, turn.

(7) Dc in nx 4 sts, dc in each of the 5 sts of the first half of the buttonhole, ch 3, turn.

(8) Dc in nx 9 sts, ch 3, turn.

Keep repeating row 8 until the piece is several inches long, then try it on your crock pot by buttoning the buttonhole onto the lid's knob, then bring the strap through the handle and back towards the knob. When the strap almost reaches the knob, it is time to make the center buttonhole. You want the strap to be kind of tight, so stretch it some when you try it on the pot.

To make the center buttonhole, repeat rows 3 through 7, (ignoring the row 2 part, you'll know where to attach the yarn).

Repeat row 2 until you have the same number of complete rows of double crochet that are between the first 2 buttonholes.

Repeat rows 3 through 7 for the final buttonhole.

Repeat row 2 twice. Fasten off.

By Fortunately from Illinois

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Craft Project: Recycled Cardboard Vase

This is a really cool use of recycled cardboard and a very funky way to display flowers in your green home.

Approximate Time: 2 hours

Supplies:

• cardboard/shipping box
• scissors +/cutting blade
• glue
• clean glass jar
• cutting knife/x-acto
• cutting board
• measuring tools
• marker

Instructions:

1. Start by using a marker to outline the circumference of your jar for the base of your cardboard vase. I used an 8 inch round salsa jar.

2. Cut out the base, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the marked circle.

3. Cut your cardboard into 1/2-inch long strips, making sure to cut against the grain of the corrugation ( so the circle design on cardboard piece shows on outside of vase.)

4. Cut your strips the 1/2 long strips into 1-1/2-inch pieces. Your pieces might have to be slightly bigger or smaller depending on the size of your jar.

5. Figure out how many cardboard pieces you need to go around the base of your vase, making sure your jar will fit. I lined them up on bottom, touching the top right corner of one piece to the top left corner of next.

6. Glue the pieces to the base. I lined up top corners of each piece around.

7. Use only a small bead of glue on each cardboard brick so that the glue won't squeeze out the sides. This will keep the vase neat.

8. Glue the second layer down using a brick like pattern. Each piece fills in open space from previous row, to add support and visual interest.

9. Slide your jar into the cardboard tube throughout the process to make sure that it still fits inside, and is easily removable. Continue adding cardboard pieces until your jar is fully hidden.

10. Once your jar is hidden, slide it out of the cardboard tube and allow the glue to dry overnight. This will ensure that the jar is removable for easy cleaning.

11. Then experiment with different size jars. I also use one on my desk for pencils.

By Kat from Long Beach, CA

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Craft Project: Door Scarecrow

Make a really cute scarecrow for your door using things around the house.

Approximate Time: less than an hour

Supplies:

• glue gun
• scraps of jeans
• scraps of cotton
• coat hanger
• small amount of stuffing
• brown paper bag

Instructions:

1. Lay coat hanger on table. Gather the scrap of cotton you chose for the face around the hook. Push stuffing inside and tie off around neck.

2. Cut out two basic shirt shapes of another scrap of cotton. Lay it on the front of coat hanger and put the other on the back. Using glue gun, layer the shirt at the shoulders like a seam and glue in place.

3. Glue the inner seams of shirt running glue down the inside of shirts and pressing together.

4. Cut out two squares of jean material. Fold in half and glue the open side to mimic jean legs. Set each leg in the bottom of shirt and glue.

5. Using scraps cut out face pieces and glue on.

6. Using the brown paper bag, cut out squares and fringe one end.

7. Roll in a tube slide over coat hanger in the arms of the shirt, glue down.

8. Make two more for the bottom of the jeans and glue in place.

9. You can use more jean scraps to make a pocket for the front.

10. You can also can make a jean hat by cutting two ovals that fit over scare crow head. Use one as base, gather the other and put stuffing inside. Glue down to the base.

11. Then add a strip of fabric to cover glued gathers.

12. Decorate tying on scraps of string and leftover buttons.

By Lyn from Taylorville, IL

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Make a Hand With Plaster of Paris

A great tip for one rubber glove was done in the sixties. We fill it with plaster of Paris and produced a slick hand, that was used for jewelry display or for Halloween fun.

Kitty

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Pattern for Plastic Bag Pumpkin

I am looking for a pattern or suggestion on how to do a pumpkin using plastic bags. Thank you.

By Linda from Fond du Lac, WI

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Birch Tree Shaving Roses

Does anyone have instructions on how to make tree shaving roses? Where can I purchase Birch tree shavings?

By earthangel49 from IN

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Homemade Pine Cone Fire Starters

Does anyone remember the directions for making homemade pine cone fire starters? I used to have one that made the fire burn different colors. Thanks in advance.

By dollyddg from Lynn, MA

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Soap Making

I am going to make homemade glycerin bath soap. What can I use for soap molds?

By Chammich from Keizer, OR

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Selling Scrapbooking Services

I was asked to do a scrapbook for someone. Now that I have finished it, I am not sure how much to ask for it. I used my own materials and supplies and it was about 20 different pages. She did say she would pay me for doing the scrapbook for her. Any suggestions?

By Librasunshine from Owensboro, KY

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Piece Is Missing from a Barbie Clothes Pattern

I make barbie clothes for my granddaughters for Christmas. One of the patterns I use is missing a piece. It is Simplicity 5807 from 1992. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the missing piece? It is piece M. It is the swimsuit piece. I would appreciate it very much.

By joycehorner from MI

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Making Button Bracelets

I am looking for metal bracelet backing that I can glue buttons to, to make bracelets. Can anyone tell me where to find them?

By Denim Sandy from Wash, MO

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Making Mittens Out of Wool Sweaters

How to make mittens from sweaters? Any ideas?

By appletime from Wisconsin Rapids, WI

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Sewing Zippers

How do I sew a front center zipper? I need instructions for a beginner.

By davidsonc from Wilmington, NC

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Elmo Doll Pattern

Does anyone have an Elmo doll pattern? I am making a large pillow with the head of Elmo attached for my grandson. Any ideas where I might find one?

By nanamack8 from IL

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Crocheted Santa Hat Pattern

Does anyone know where I can find a crocheted santa's hat for an adult?

By cindyc

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Rocking Chair Cross Stitch Pattern

Does anyone have a cross stitch pattern for a front view of a plain rocking chair? No toys, or blankets etc. I would really appreciate finding a pattern. I've looked high and low, but without success. Thanks.

By Patricia from Stoney Creek, Ontario

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Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas for a Toddler

I need an idea for a creative and easy DIY Halloween costume for my 2 year old son. He won't wear anything on his head. He's too young to really understand characters and he needs to be able to wear it all day at daycare for a party (playing, eating, diaper changes, etc.). Help!

By Homew from Enterprise, AL

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Plastic Canvas Barbie Furniture

I am looking for some plastic canvas patterns for Barbie doll size furniture. If anyone has any they could copy for me or send me I would be very appreciative.

By SnowflakesofBflo from Buffalo, NY

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Sewing Patterns Swap Groups

Is anyone aware of any groups for trading, exchanging, or loaning sewing patterns? I've just returned to sewing after a 20 year hiatus and I can't believe how expensive patterns are now!

By mormor from Des Moines, IA

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Make Your Own Mailbox

The mailbox along the road at my house is the standard black plastic domed type (you can glimpse a tiny picture of it it to the visual right of my steps). It leaks. The door's crooked. It's, in my opinion, ugly.

Since I have to replace it anyway, I'd like some ideas about what sort of box to mount on the post. Imagine the glass body of a kitchen blender put horizontally and that might give you an idea of my taste. Simple. Clean looking. Elegant? Definitely not kitschy.

Please offer me some suggestions. I can't find anything I really like in a Google search, and I thought maybe I could make something?

Thanks.
Nica

By bsvgs from Big Bend WV

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