ThriftyFun Crafts - December 19, 2007

We have a lot of Christmas Crafts this week! So many that we are doing another newsletter on friday with even more. I hope everyone found time to make some homemade Christmas gifts and decorations this year! If there is a craft or decoration you are particlarly proud of, feel free to submit it the Photo Contest. It may not get published until after the holiday but it will be nice to see what people have created!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!
• Submit Craft Tips (You could win $25)
• Submit Photos of Your Crafts (You could win $25)
• Submit a Craft Request
• New! Crafting for Fun and Money!
• Link to ThriftyFun.com

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Craft: Christmas Candy Decorations
• Homemade Texas Ornaments
• Craft: Dried Flower Note Cards
• Craft: Monogram Ornaments
• Craft: Fabric Based Art Card
• Craft: Tootsie Pop Reindeer
• Craft: Tootsie Pop Santa
• Festive Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments
• Craft: Paint Can Snowman
• Drum Ornament
• Craft: Pocket Pack Baking Kits
• Craft: Wooden Soldier
• Craft: Tootsie Pop Snowman
• Candy Cane Christmas Stocking Tree
• Craft: Cross Stitch Jar Lid
• Plastic Canvas Crafts
• Craft: Sewing Cards for Youngsters
• Lace Hearts

Tips:

• Beanies and Matching Mittens from an Old Sweater
• Recycled Baby Stocking
• Frugal Christmas Crafts
• Organizing Barbie Clothes Patterns
• Algebraic System For Coloring Clay
• Empty Formula Cans For Holding Gifts
• Make a Doll from Child's Favorite Shirt
• Recommended Craft Glues
• Take Apart Discount Christmas Decorations for Craft Supplies
• Recycled Christmas Gift Bag
• Gift Boxes From Recycled Paper

Requests:

• Scarf Made with Round Knifty Knitter
• 1800's Craft Ideas to Sell at Historical Club Fair
• Leeward's Christmas Stocking Pattern
• Lights for Glass Block Decorations
• What Size Do You Cut The Strips To Crochet Pot Scrubbers?
• Plastic or Metal Foot For Free Motion Quilting?
• Patterns for Crocheted Turbans
• Putting a Photo on a Christmas Bulb
• Painting with Acrylic Paint on Plastic
• Sparkle Ball Hanger
• Applesauce Christmas Ornaments
• Cleaning Fabric Paint off Kids Hands
• Instructions to Make Lighted Wine Bottle
• Making Cream Soap without Lye

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:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Craft: Christmas Candy Decorations

Decorations made from everyday items to look like Christmas Candy.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87958359.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Texas Ornaments

Here are two easy homemade ornaments. The snowman was made from a shotgun shell. Empty of course. It has a little felt cowboy hat that was purchased.

By Frances from Tarzan, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63108805.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Dried Flower Note Cards
By Debra Frick

These are very simple to make with flowers that you have collected and dried. Pansy and spring flowers are the best to use as they dry very flat, But I have even dried sunflowers in my flower press. Directions for a simple flower press can be found on ThriftyFun so if you missed the directions, you can find them there. With a little time and effort, you can make these beautiful note cards for yourself. These make a wonderful gift for Christmas or a Bridal or Baby shower.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43888976.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Monogram Ornaments

My daughter and I saw some cute monogram ornaments in a high end gift shop that sold for $7.95 each. My daughter wanted one, so I told her I could make them for pennies. I already had most of the supplies on hand leftover from other projects. I purchased a pack of assorted fun foam sheets at the dollar store. These look great on the tree and would make nice gifts or package ties.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71460664.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Fabric Based Art Card

Create a miniature piece of art for trade, home decorating, or use as a decorative gift tag.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32666883.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Tootsie Pop Reindeer

Easy to make Tootsie Pop Reindeer. My Tootsie Pop Snowman and Santa would not be complete without this cute Tootsie Pop Reindeer! This little guy would be adorable slipped under the ribbon on a gift for someone special or handed out at a Christmas Party!

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63354093.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Tootsie Pop Santa

Easy to make Tootsie Pop Santa. To go along with my Tootsie Pop Snowman, this Santa would make the perfect treat a child on Christmas. These make great party favors or place cards. Another option in presenting this to someone might be to attach a string and hang it on the tree as an ornament!

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41584526.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Festive Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments

These are extremely easy to make and the results are so cute and Christmasy!

Mix equal parts of applesauce and cinnamon. (1 cup applesauce/1 cup cinnamon) Mix until a soft and perhaps sticky dough is formed.

Roll the dough out or press with hands until it is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Using your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, cut out as many shapes as possible and place them on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Use a straw to cut out holes in the ornaments.

Let your ornaments set in a dry place for 2-3 days until they are dry and hard. Caution: They will still be fragile, so you should be gentle with them. Cut ribbon to the lengths you want and tie through the holes in the ornaments.

Your ornaments can be used for your tree or tied to the top of Christmas gifts. The scent should last up to 3 years!

Here are some of the ornaments I made. I used 2 cups cinnamon and 2 cups applesauce and I ended up with about 33 ornaments. I also added some pumpkin pie spice and nutmeg to enhance the scent. Instead of ribbons I used crochet thread and chain stitched my "ribbons."

By Janellio from PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91956538.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Paint Can Snowman

This is a snowman made from a paint can.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20839423.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Drum Ornament

Little drum is made from frozen juice can, ribbon, toothpicks and cord. Cut can in two about an inch and a half from one end, or as deep as the ribbon is wide. Take the metal off the other end and press it on to the cut one to make both sides of the drum. Cut the ribbon to fit and glue it on. Use gold cord to zig-zag over the ribbon. Use round toothpicks for drum-sticks.

By Frances from Tarzan, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58896787.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Pocket Pack Baking Kits

A dish towel, spoon, sprinkles, and a purchased (or homemade) cookie or cake mix is just about all you need to make the fun Pocket Pack baking kits for the whole family to enjoy. And there is no sewing or gluing! Cost is less than $5. Nice teacher or hostess gift.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60916525.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Wooden Soldier
By Marie E. Cecchini

Crafting Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour This may look like it has a lot of parts, but it's really very simple to put together. When your soldier is finished, he will sit on a tabletop or bookshelf.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56066125.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Tootsie Pop Snowman

Easy to make Tootsie Pop Snowman. After making the Tootsie Pop Turkey this year, I kept trying to think of something similar to make at Christmas! This is one of the ideas I had. They would be cute as place cards at a meal or stuck on top of a present!

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56654737.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Candy Cane Christmas Stocking Tree
By Debra Frick

If your house is going to be as full as mine this year and you don't have a fireplace "to hang your stockings by the chimney with care", here is a great solution. Three of my children live in Colorado with me. Between the three of them, they have 6 little boys. We soon ran out of places to hang our Christmas stockings so my husband (brave man that he is ) came up with this so we could hang all of our Christmas stockings on it.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70536126.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Cross Stitch Jar Lid

Cross stitch pattern inside canning ring.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56030938.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Plastic Canvas Crafts

This is a Christmas gift I made. It is napkin holder made with plastic canvas. The second picture is another plastic canvas craft I made for Christmas. It is a wall or door hanger. This one is a fairly easy project.

By Pico from St. Paul, Alberta

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28669136.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Sewing Cards for Youngsters

Here's a great, inexpensive gift idea to keep youngsters entertained. Create cute sewing cards that are super easy to make. You can use the fronts of old greeting cards or glue calendar pictures to cardboard. Kids can sew lengths of ribbon or yarn through holes punched in the cards.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26176754.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Lace Hearts

Cut lace about 14 inches, then fold over and sew a seam to slip a piece of 4 inch pipe cleaner in it. Make sure the lace is gathered. Then glue 2 red hearts in the center. I bought mine at a Dollar store.

By Gloria from Notre Dame, NB

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24371167.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Beanies and Matching Mittens from an Old Sweater

Look at the latest holiday edition of www.threadbanger.com for instructions how to make easy beanies and matching mitten from an old sweater! Kids are always losing theirs, so this would be great for a wintry mom. All you do is use the edge of the sweater for a headband of the beanie and cut a head shape and sew it up and a hand shape on the arms of the old sweater, also using the sleeve edge as the new edge for the mittens. Great Idea.

Source: www.threadbanger.com

By pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81465663.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Recycled Baby Stocking

Someone gave me a floor mat for my baby to play on that was missing some toys that dangle. Instead of throwing it away when I got a better one, I decided to cut it up and make a stocking! I made a pattern out of a large piece of drawing paper that I drew a freehand stocking on. I cut it so the right sides faced each other, pinned, and sewed. I trimmed off the felt material they used on the sides and sewed it across the top of the stocking for an accent and as the stocking hanger.

By Jenn from Lenox, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90821357.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Frugal Christmas Crafts

Cute, quick and frugal gifts or decorations!

The magnets are used canning jar lids and smaller ones are from frozen OJ concentrate can ends. Base coat white or brown and paint faces. I used blush for the cheeks and had some wood plugs I used for the noses. For the gingers, I used fabric yoyos or strips of fabric tied into bows, hot glued onto the heads. The snow men I used pipe cleaners and little pom poms for ear muffs and a sock cut into 2 inch sections, sewn across one end, to make little hats and hot glued on.

The ginger and snow balls are from old softballs, base coated and glued onto canning jar rings. The snowball hats are from socks, cut into about 4 inch pieces, sewn across the end. I then took white "scribble" dimensional paint and did the "frosting" lines on the ginger and snowflakes on the snowballs hats. Had everything on hand!

I've sold a bunch of the ginger and snow balls for $7.50 each and the magnets for $2.50. I've "gifted" many of them already this season! I get the softballs from my son and DIL, who play on a softball team :0) Sometimes I find them at thrift stores for about $.50 each. Have fun!!

By Maggie from Bloomington, MN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79175006.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Organizing Barbie Clothes Patterns

As I create and sew Barbie doll-size fashions, I came up with a way to keep my patterns organized. For each outfit of the pattern set, I use a 6 1/2-in x 3 5/8-in regular envelope. On the outside, I write the Pattern Number, View, Name of outfit, etc.

It is also handy to record any notes, such as "add 1 inch to length", etc. When it's time to choose an outfit to make, I pull my selection out of the original pattern envelope. This saves time going through all those pieces, and prevents loss, too.

By Maggie from Park Hills, MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11619628.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Algebraic System For Coloring Clay

I've developed an algebraic system for creating a variety of colors for polymer and modeling clay. It's similar to the technique for mixing food coloring. What I do after conditioning the clay (I use the colors red, blue, yellow, black, and white) is form balls about 1 cm. in diameter for each color, making sure to put the unused balls in an air-tight container. I then combine the colored balls using my system. For example 4B+4R means combining 4 blue balls with 4 red balls, 2Y+6R means combining 2 yellow and 6 red balls and so forth. It's much cheaper than buying pre-mixed colors and a lot more fun.

By Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79725022.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Empty Formula Cans For Holding Gifts

For thrifty gifts this Christmas, I decided to make cocoa for several people on my list. Instead of buying glass containers, I saved my baby's formula cans and peeled off the labels. I measured the length and diameter of the can and cut wrapping paper to fit. I used clear tape around the top of the can to prevent ripping when the lid was taken on and off and down the length of the can to hold the paper securely. To finish off, I will fill with my cocoa mixture, tape some mini candycanes and a bow on the lid.

By Jenn from Lenox, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78384837.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Make a Doll from Child's Favorite Shirt

My nephew had a Sponge Bob shirt that was too small, but he still wanted to wear it. So I made a doll with it. I designed everything on paper first then proceeded to cut everything out. You can use an existing pattern for dolls, but I chose to design it myself. I made a head, attached yarn for the hair, and then I used permanent marker for the face. I made arms and legs out of a muslin, and stuffed them with poly-fill. I used his shirt for the body, and stuffed it with poly-fill. He loved it and so did his sister, so I did the same thing for her out of her favorite shirt. I thought this way they could keep their favorite shirt and not wear it.

By Sandra P. from Locust Grove, OK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66084201.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Recommended Craft Glues

Product: Scrapbooker's Glue and Quick Dry Adhesive

Model: 3M

Manufacturer: Scotch

Cost: $5.00 each (approximately)

While looking for glue for my paper crafting and beading, I happened upon two excellent adhesives. The Scrapbooker's Glue is clear and has two applicator tips - a pen tip and a sponge tip. The Quick-Dry Adhesive is suitable for paper, metal, and plastic, has a pen tip applicator, and dries clear. Both of them are excellent products and great alternatives to glue guns.

By Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26921236.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Take Apart Discount Christmas Decorations for Craft Supplies

This is a shopping tip for beaders and other crafters who use beads in their craftwork. I always try to hit the after-holidays ornament sales and stock up on beaded ornaments. You'd be surprised how many beads you can get from garlands and ornaments after taking them apart.

By Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60565176.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Recycled Christmas Gift Bag

Need a cute little Christmas gift bag? Crochet this bag from recycled plastic grocery bags. Here is the free pattern link too.

• Myrecycledbags.com/christmas-gift-bag/

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48328729.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Gift Boxes From Recycled Paper

Ideas to make gift boxes from recycled paper or cards!

• http://etsylabs.blogspot.com

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76044421.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Scarf Made with Round Knifty Knitter

I am new to Knifty Knitting. I would like to know how to make a scarf with a round Knifty Knitter.

K.C. from Fort Worth, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77408432.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

1800's Craft Ideas to Sell at Historical Club Fair

I am needing some ideas for craft items to make and sell. The items HAVE to be 'old time'. Our family just joined a historical club. Several times a year they have events were we can have a booth and sell our crafts.

Rules are simple-we must stick to the period, which is 1750-1900, and we have to dress the part. My daughters thought it would be fun to have a 'Little House on the Prarie' booth. But what can we make and sell? The only idea we have so far is bonnets, and possibly some gingham skirts.

This is a 3 day event usually, out at the fair grounds with around 150 booths. Schools even bus their children in for this. It happens 3 times a year. We will not have electricity, and since it has rained at the last 2 we went to, we already learned we will need a tent. The first one is next April.

My questions are:

What mid 1800's items can we make and sell that would be fairly inexpensive to the buyer?

Any booth tips?

April from Northern Missouri

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32228808.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Leeward's Christmas Stocking Pattern

I am looking for an old Christmas Stocking pattern that I believe was put out by Leewards. My mom made them for us when we were little and has since made some for my husband and kids. Now that I have another baby in the house, she's lost the pattern!

It's double crocheted and the lettering and snowflakes are cross stitched on. She remembers that you could also cross stitch a Christmas tree on the front instead of the snowflake pattern. If anyone knows where I can find this pattern, I'd appreciate it! Thank you!!

Angie from O'Fallon, MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90298054.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Lights for Glass Block Decorations

How many lights do you use for the glass block decorations?

Kelly from Dallas, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52514296.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

What Size Do You Cut The Strips To Crochet Pot Scrubbers?

What size do you cut the strips to crochet pot scrubbers?

Donna from Millbury, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69609492.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Plastic or Metal Foot For Free Motion Quilting?

I'm going to buy a free-motion quilting foot for my Brother Low-shank sewing machine. What's better a Clear plastic foot or a metal foot? I assume the metal foot will be stronger, more durable & last longer & the plastic foot will be clear, so more easy to see projects through. Have any of you out there use both feet? And what do you recommend?

Cyinda from Near Seattle, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56936691.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Patterns for Crocheted Turbans

I am looking for crocheted turban patterns, as many as I can find. Senior Citizens LOVE these. I have been searching Google but have only been able to find the knitted kinds and I cannot knit.

Regi from Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94594480.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Putting a Photo on a Christmas Bulb

How do you put a photo on a shatter proof Christmas bulb?

Hannah from Kokomo, IN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51265296.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Painting with Acrylic Paint on Plastic

I am having a problem. I a doing a craft painting using Acrylic craft paint on plastic bottles. I noticed the craft paint easily chips and scratches off even after it has dried over night. Was there a preparation step I missed?

Dana from Garland, Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48123541.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Sparkle Ball Hanger

I need help with completing my first Sparkle Ball. It was fun to make, but I need to know more about the hanger. Pictures suggest an S hook on each end of a chain. What does the S hook within the ball hook onto?
I assume you wouldn't want to hook it to a wire.

Bruce from Mercedes, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89570259.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Applesauce Christmas Ornaments

How do you make ornaments out of applesauce?

Lisa from Springfield, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93080983.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning Fabric Paint off Kids Hands

How do you get fabric paint off of kids hands? We are making a gift for the teacher and I want to be prepared. Thanks!

Kristine from Elmhurst, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf487698.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Instructions to Make Lighted Wine Bottle

Someone had a beautiful lighted wine bottle posted in answer to another's request of how to adhere the grapes. Does anyone remember this and have the directions for the whole project? I would love to make a few of these.

Bonnie from Martinsburg

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57713550.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Cream Soap without Lye

Does anyone know how to make cream soap without lye? Especially whipped soap that I have seen on freshwhipped.com.

Candy from Houston, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84902006.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

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