ThriftyFun Crafts - December 1, 2010

Vol. 5, Num. 48, December 1, 2010

We have two more cute clay pot crafts in today's newsletter. Need more ideas for recycle crafts? Our members have provided several more really nice projects. There is also a beautiful zinnia throw pillow to brighten up your couch.

Please share you ideas and expertise with the rest of the Thriftyfun members, we all enjoy learning something new.

Many of our submissions are entered in one of our weekly contests. Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to your favorite posts as we use these ratings to select a winner.

You can view past and present contest contenders here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml

You can enter the contests here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Do you have a question for the ThriftyFun community? Submit it here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml

Thanks for reading,

Barbara

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 Project: Zinnia Pillow
Craft Project: Clay Pot Angels
Craft Project: Mug Wrappers
Craft Project: Holiday Soldier
Craft Project: Button Choker

Tips:

Turn Sweatshirt into a Jacket
Craft: Photo Note Cards
Make Dispenser From Old Pill Bottles
Craft: Decorative Flowers from Empty Product Boxes
Craft: Bible Quilt
Craft: "Sweet Sixteen" Corsages
Craft: Plarn Gift Bottles

Requests:

Decorating Cardboard Magazine Holders
Paver Stone for Snowman Project
Home Decor Crafts Using Sea Shells
Holiday Projects Using Folger's Canisters
Preserving a Piece of Our Christmas Tree Stump
Inexpensive Birthday Table Decorations
Using a Handheld Smart Stitch
Making Yarn Daisies
Is There an Easy Way to Stipple Quilt?
Making a Child's Angel Costume
Craft Ideas for Plastic Coffee Containers
Thrifty Christmas Decorating Ideas
Can I Double the Fabric When Making a Fleece Scarf?
Drawstring Square Tissue Box Cover
Craft Uses for 25 Count CD/DVD Containers
Threading a Good Housekeeping Sewing Machine
Liquid Plastic for Crafts
12 Days of Christmas Piper Costume
What is the Best Filler to Use in a Homemade Heat Pack?
Schools That Teach How to Make Faux Food
Queen Size Quilt Pattern "Trip Around the World"

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 Project: Zinnia Pillow

This is an unusual but striking pillow and resembles a zinnia when done.

Craft Project: Zinnia Pillow

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48869447.tip.html

Craft Project: Clay Pot Angels

Sweet little angels to sit on your desk. Paint the clay pot white (or any color you want as a theme for your angel). Paint the round bead fleshtone. Will dry in about 10 minutes.

Craft Project: Clay Pot Angels

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48214081.tip.html

Craft Project: Mug Wrappers

No longer do you have to hold your hot mugs by the handle only, make a few Mug Wrappers and do away with the strain on your fingers. What a great gift and quick to make.

Craft Project: Mug Wrappers

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95694066.tip.html

Craft Project: Holiday Soldier

Set this little guy up with your holiday decor.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67062285.tip.html

Craft Project: Button Choker

Recycle mismatched and extra buttons to make this unique choker; a wonderful gift that costs less than a dollar to make!

Craft Project: Button Choker

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54644578.tip.html

Turn Sweatshirt into a Jacket

Make a jacket out of an old sweatshirt by cutting the front down the center from top to bottom. Trim the cut edge with ribbon or lace (you can hand sew it). This will look really special and it will get used more than you know - I know I do. These are fun and easy to make for children or adults, and are a great inexpensive homemade Christmas gift. You may even be able to get the sweatshirts at a thrift store, just wash before cutting.

By Virginia from Miramar Beach. FL

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37035661.tip.html

Craft: Photo Note Cards

I'm not a scrapbook person, but some of my friends who are encouraged me to try to make these note cards. I used old vintage photos of family members to make them special. I scanned the photos and had copies made.

Here are brief instructions on the particulars:

Use white card stock, 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Cut in half to make the card. Fold each one in half.

I bought a pad of paper with different black and white designs at the scrapbook store to use as background. Cut each piece to 5-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches and use double-stick tape to tape it to the top of the note card.

I trimmed around my photos with craft scissors, glued the photo to a black piece of paper just a little bigger than the photo, and inserted special brads shaped like stars that I bought at the scrapbook store in each corner. Tape this to the card.

And you are done! You can buy 4-3/8 x 5-3/4 inch invitation envelopes at the store that will fit these notes perfectly.

I'm giving these as gifts to family members this Christmas. I'm sure they will love them!

By Holly from Golden, CO

Craft: Photo Note Cards

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80758814.tip.html

Make Dispenser From Old Pill Bottles

Use empty pill bottles to dispense elastic and similar items. Coil the item to fit into the bottle. Then cut a simple slit/opening in the lid to pull the item out as you need it, as much as you need. Use this to hold and dispense yard string. It works for crafting, beading, and floral wire, as well as, beading threads.

By duckie-do from Cortez, CO

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49651470.tip.html

Craft: Decorative Flowers from Empty Product Boxes

I found a use for most of the cardboard packaging that I end up with so much of. I cut the boxes apart and begin cutting the flowers. The parts are then stacked to create multiple layers of petals. An upholstery tack holds all of it together and to the wall. The photo is of the flowers in a display on my back porch. The yellow, pink, and orange flowers came in a set on a sticker sheet, but the multicolored ones are reused boxes.

As you can see, some of the flowers are thinner than others. Because I attached these with big tacks, I can remove the flower from the wall and easily add more petals when I have more empties cut!

By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO

Craft: Decorative Flowers from Empty Product Boxes

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90510406.tip.html

Craft: Bible Quilt

I am very proud to have this quilt made by my mother (who has passed away) when she was 12 years old. I am sure that the blocks were mail ordered and she worked very hard to complete the quilt. Each block is a story in the Old Testament with a picture of the story. Then the last block is her name and when she made it (1927).

Source: My mother's loving hands.

By Elaine

Craft: Bible Quilt

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25802477.tip.html

Craft: "Sweet Sixteen" Corsages

Cut 8 strips of 1/8 inch pink satin ribbon into varying lengths. Tie sugar cubes to each end, cutting off the ribbon ends that stick out. Tie the ribbons in the middle with a bow, first putting in a small safety pin so that the 16-year old can pin it to her garment.

Source: This was from a memory I had as a 16-year old.

By Karen from New Martinsville, WV

Craft: "Sweet Sixteen" Corsages

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84357691.tip.html

Craft: Plarn Gift Bottles

Roll plarn into balls (I used 3) and place them into a clean and dry recycled 2 liter pop bottle (or other bottle). Add crochet hook(s).

To Make Plarn:

If you don't already have a plastic bag collection consider starting one. Consider sorting the bags by color. If you went to 3 stores and each store uses a different color bag, put all the same color from that store into one bag from the same store.

The perfect time to start folding the empty bags into neat squares is when you get home from the store. Straighten out the handles and smooth them. If they are wet, hang them up a while out of the way. If they are a little dirty, wipe them off and let dry. If they are a little torn, that's OK.

Next, when you are less busy, set a good time for yourself to begin cutting the plarn. It may not be comfortable for you or your family to have the whole front room or kitchen buried under so many sacks as you work. You might find it best to do all the cutting a little at a time to stay caught up on it, or pick a good time and get them cut and out of the way. Decide which is best for you.

If you want to tie a lot of knots, then you want to cut your bags into loops. If you would rather tie as few knots as possible, then you want to cut your bag in to one continual piece. I have seen videos for both ways. I like as few knots as possible, but when working with scrap, I find I "take what life hands me."

I recently found a site that explains how to cut more bags faster. After you cut off the handles and cut off the bottom seam, layer several bags smoothly and evenly together - open ends to the left and right and closed sides toward the bottom and top. Fold them up at the bottom until you have only about 3 inches or so at the top then cut as shown in the video.

To Make Gift Bottle:

Cut a door into the plastic pop bottle large enough that the rolled plarn will fit. If you want to cut one or two bags at a time and roll them into a ball or balls and continue to add smaller balls you will need a smaller door.

The lid on the bottle makes cutting the door a little easier. Using a craft knife or a knife from the kitchen drawer, pierce the plastic. I like to pinch the bottle a little bit to make a little crease and saw into the plastic a little until it is punctured. I sometimes finish the door with the same knife. Other times, I get the scissors so the cut is neater. Either way, BE CAREFUL! I rolled a ball a little too large and accidentally tore the door.

Fill the bottle with as many colors or rolled balls as you like. How many it takes to fill up the bottle depends on how many rolls you want to fill it with. There is still room in my bottle to add several other smaller balls of other colors if I want to.

You could create the gift bottles as you get the bags or save them as I mentioned and just add a ball every once in awhile so that it is a random (but pretty and interesting) bottle of colored plarn. You could also focus on 3 or 4 colors only. I like to use the clear bottle so the colors show really nice.

If you know someone who already works with plarn, they won't require an explanation. If not, it may be more of a challenge for you to explain it to them!

Just because you yourself don't work with plarn doesn't mean you can't participate by working up the materials and giving it to someone who uses it.

Look online for projects that use plarn to get project ideas to pass on to whoever you give the bottled plarn to.

Have fun!

By melody yesterday from Otterville, MO

Craft: Plarn Gift Bottles

Contest Contender!

This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it:

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22337840.tip.html

Tip Contest
Submit a Tip or Recipe!
Photo Contest
Submit a tip with photo!

The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners, 2 photo winners (1 photo and 1 pet photo) and 1 recipe winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Decorating Cardboard Magazine Holders

How do you decorate your own magazine holders?

By Nancy from USA, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55884733.tip.html

Paver Stone for Snowman Project

I am looking for the pavers to make the cute snowman. I can't find the right size at Home Depot or Lowe's. What are the sizes length to height? Thanks.

By Patty from Reno, NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83902672.tip.html

Home Decor Crafts Using Sea Shells

My husband and I went to South Padre Island in September and I loaded our Jeep up with about every sea shell I could find. I want to be creative with them and thought about placing them on a picture frame and also a mirror to go in our bathroom we are currently remodeling. The theme of course is centered around the beach. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear.

By Michelle from Denison, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28033463.tip.html

Holiday Projects Using Folger's Canisters

What types of holiday projects can be made of the empty Folger's coffee containers?

By Angela from Webb City, MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37169257.tip.html

Preserving a Piece of Our Christmas Tree Stump

My partner and I cut down our first Christmas tree and would like to preserve a piece of the stump. It's a blue spruce so the wood is very soft and sappy. We don't want to glaze it however we cannot figure out any other options. Please help!

By JaeLi from Hatfield, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22289541.tip.html

Inexpensive Birthday Table Decorations

I need some ideas for very inexpensive table decorations (10 tables) for my daughter's 17th birthday party. I already have construction paper, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, and beads.

By Judy from Fort Worth, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54894796.tip.html

Using a Handheld Smart Stitch

I am looking for directions for a Handheld Smart Stitch.

By Charlene from Denver, CO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31433800.tip.html

Making Yarn Daisies

Where can I get the plastic wheel that makes yarn daisies? I also need the instructions on how to make the afghan.

By Pat from Prosperity, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27689177.tip.html

Is There an Easy Way to Stipple Quilt?

Does anyone do stipple quilting? If anyone has an easy way to do it I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

By Sheila from Boise, ID

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36946438.tip.html

Making a Child's Angel Costume

I am needing ideas to make an angel costume for a child's play. Thank you.

By Betty from Wesson, MS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32664222.tip.html

Craft Ideas for Plastic Coffee Containers

I have several of the red plastic coffee containers from Folger's coffee. Does anyone have a good idea for use of these for crafts, etc.?

By Sandy from Bedford, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94792447.tip.html

Thrifty Christmas Decorating Ideas

What are some budget-friendly Christmas decorating ideas? I'm a starving college student with my first place and I love Christmas. That being said, I have no Christmas decorations. Since I'm a college student I'm on a budget, but I'd love to decorate for my favorite holiday!

I found the following Christmas craft/decoration on Martha Stewart's website, just to give you an idea of what I'm looking for: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/magazine-christmas-trees. (spray painted magazine Christmas trees)

Remember that I'm starting with absolutely 0 decorations!

By Jennie from Tempe, AZ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75820330.tip.html

Can I Double the Fabric When Making a Fleece Scarf?

When making a fleece scarf, do you or can you double the fabric?

By Yvonne from Lumberton, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92981769.tip.html

Drawstring Square Tissue Box Cover

I would like directions/pattern for sewing a square tissue box cover that has a square bottom, one piece of material, and a draw ribbon near the top. It could also be used as a gift bag.
Thanks.

By Wanda from Albany, OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92905879.tip.html

Craft Uses for 25 Count CD/DVD Containers

Anyone have a suggestion for re-using the small containers that CDs/DVDs come in? I have so many of these; they held 25 discs and sometimes are referred to as small cake stack cases. The top is translucent and the locking bottoms are black. It seems a shame to throw them out.

By LLH from OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81899736.tip.html

Threading a Good Housekeeping Sewing Machine

I need help threading a Good Housekeeping sewing machine, model 301.

By Suef from Deerfield, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55942561.tip.html

Liquid Plastic for Crafts

I am looking for a liquid dip film. When spread across a wire shape (a circle, oval, triangle, and so forth) it dries to a wafer thin film. I would like to make flowers, etc. I found an old book on how to make them and am really interested.

Can someone assist with what it is that I need to ask for and where I would be able to get it? Regards.

By Lynne from South Africa

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70432354.tip.html

12 Days of Christmas Piper Costume

What would be the dress if you were a piper piping? I need to put together a costume for the piper from the 12 Days of Christmas.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27809857.tip.html

What is the Best Filler to Use in a Homemade Heat Pack?

I want to make my own heat packs as Christmas gifts. Some have posted that they use rice, others use flax, some use oatmeal, etc. The ingredients don't cook or go rancid, etc. after use?

Also, which ingredient can I use for scent? Some say lavender turns after being heated and there were a few scents that didn't work at all.

Help!

By BeachMouse from Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44681479.tip.html