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Vol. 3, Num. 4, January 23, 2008 (Read It Online) Today we have a great craft about making a Hanging Ball Made With Old Christmas Cards. If you have any Valentine's Day crafts to share, be sure to submit them on the Contest or Crafts for Fun and Money page! Thanks for reading, Susan
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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:
Craft: Hanging Ball Made With Old Cards Take 20 used Christmas card (or any other card) fronts and cut out 4" circles. Using a triangle template, fold the edges of the circles up to form flaps. Glue the flaps together, add a hanging ribbon and you have an 8" decorative ball. Approximate Time: 1-2 hours -- longer with young children Supplies:
Instructions:
Preparation: With regular scissors, cut a 4" circle and a 3-7/16" equilateral triangle on sturdy cardboard (not corrugated). Using these dimensions will make a ball about 8" in diameter. Any other size circle will work - just make the equilateral triangle so that it fits inside the circle with all three points touching the edge of the circle. Select 20 Christmas card fronts that are all about the same thickness of card stock and at least one-fourth inch wider than the diameter of the cardboard circle. Place the cardboard circle on a Christmas card front and cut around it with pinking shears. So that the circles are uniform, try to get as close as possible to the cardboard circle's edge without cutting into the cardboard. I use a binder clip to hold the cardboard circle and Christmas card securely - it's easier on my hand. You could also use other craft scissors that cut other patterns such as small scallops.
Divide the card circles into two groups of ten. Take each card from the first pile and center the cardboard triangle with one of the points up (pointing away from you); fold the exposed edges upward to form three flaps. Do the same with the second group of ten but place the triangle with one of the points down (pointing toward yourself). Assembly: The ball is made in three parts - a top "cap", a middle band and a bottom "cap". As you are assembling the ball, make sure all the pictures are in the same direction. Paper clips are handy to hold the flaps together while the glue sets. To make the top "cap" of the ball, take five cards from the first group that were folded with the triangle point up and glue the side flaps together. Set aside. To make the bottom "cap" of the ball, take five cards from the second group that were folded with the triangle point down and glue the side flaps together. Set aside.
To make the middle band or ring, take the remaining ten cards and glue the side flaps together, alternating those that were folded with the triangle point up with those that were folded with the triangle point down. Set aside. Cut a length of ribbon or yarn to use for hanging the ball. Glue one end to a small piece of cardboard. Thread the other end through the hole in the center of the top "cap". Place the top "cap" on the middle band and glue the flaps together where they meet. Attach the ball's bottom under the middle band and glue those flaps together. If you used paper clips, remove them carefully to avoid tearing the points around the circles.
Notes: In order to find the best part of the picture to cut out a circle, cut out a sample circle using scrap paper. Lay this over the card front before cutting and move it around to see how the circle will look. Make interesting groupings by varying the length of ribbon or make various size balls. Use Christmas cards that have the same theme - all Santas, all wreaths, all one color, etc. Make a ball from other greeting cards - Easter, birthday, flowers. By Linn VW from York, PA
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Rate It: Oh, how I enjoy shopping for bargains. During the warmer months, DH and I love to go to all kinds of garage sales. At one of the sales, I saw something hanging on a nail which was stuffed full of plastic shopping bags. So I just had to find a free sewing pattern to make one for myself. I made several for friends who lived out of state, then the very last one I made for myself. If you look closely at the photo, you might find the mistake that I made. The palm trees are upside down, I had sewn the hanging loop on the wrong end of the bag and it was too much work to correct the mistake. I hang my plastic bag holder on a hook leading down to our basement. Now whenever I need a trash bag, I know where to find one. This pattern was created by Diane DeArmond By MCW from NY
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Rate It: It's easy (and cheap) to give new life to a boring ceramic lamp.
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Rate It: Make a statement, flower-child style, with this boho bag made from recycled denim. The fun of making these purses is that there are no rules - anything goes It's a great way to recycle favorite costume jewelry, use up bits and pieces of ribbon and trim and put creative juices to work for a truly one-of-a-kind result. Approximate Time: 2-3 hours Supplies
Instructions To begin, launder an old pair of jeans or jean shorts. Cut off jean legs or bottom of shorts to about 1-1/2 inch below crotch. Turn inside out and hand or machine stitch together. Now it's on to the fun part. You may decide on a theme or color scheme first, or just plug in the glue gun, dump out the contents of your craft, quilting, scrapbooking or jewelry box, and get started. Begin by choosing a material to line the purse. Prettily-patterned scarves, bits of leftover quilting material or even old dresses or blouses with interesting detail all make fine choices. Cut the material to fit inside the purse with some overlap and use a glue gun to set into place. Trim material around the top of the purse and add a line or two of ribbon along the inside to give a finished look. Fit lace or ribbon around the "legs" at bottom of purse, again using the glue gun. Add sequins, beads, embroidery patches, bows, buttons, etc., to embellish. Attach strips of Velcro to the inside of the purse to close, if desired. Choose a sturdy, stretchy fabric with some "give" for the handle. Purse #1 in the photo has a handle made from a narrow silk scarf, looped and double-knotted through the side belt loops. The handle on purse #2 is one I created by ripping lengths of floral material into 5-inch pieces and knotting together to form a 20-inch "rope." I like to add quirky artwork to my purses. The photo on the back of purse #2 is of King Ludwig II of Bavaria (also known as the Fairy Tale king, an eccentric ruler and patron of the arts in Europe); I found the picture in an old songbook I picked up at a garage sale. Many herbal teas, such as Good Earth, print funny or thought-provoking quotes on their teabags. I snip and save the ones that interest me and glue them to the insides or back pockets of the purses, usually with an embellishment of a few rhinestones or tiny colored buttons. Don't worry about getting too "matchy" or perfect with your boho bag. Instead, let the freewheeling flower child in you come out to play. The result will be a happy reminder of your own unique and creative spirit. By Claire from Phoenix, AZ
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Rate It: Calendar/Planner gift idea: Scrapbooking isn't just for photo albums Supplies
Instructions Remove planner from plastic cover. Open plastic cover and lay flat on cardboard Trace around cover and cut it out with straight edge scissors (this is your template). Place template on card stock that you want to be your planner cover and trace around edges. Cut out with straight edge scissors and fold in half. Place inside plastic cover to make sure it fits, this may require a little trim work. Remove from clear plastic cover and embellish with coordinating paper, trim, stickers etc. Be sure to decorate both sides. Use glue stick to attach embellishments that do not have an adhesive backing. Insert cover and planner into plastic cover. This would also work with checkbook covers. By Melanie from NC from NC
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Rate It: Here is a very easy way to make a quilt in no time at all. I purchased the lace panels at the Dollar Store. Directions Sew them to a sheet. Between the lace panels, sew doilies (also sold at the Dollar store). Purchase a sheet one size larger than the sheet you sewed the lace panels on. Purchase a blanket or use an old one you have on hand. Place the sheet down, lay the blanket on top, than add the sheet with the lace panels. Sew on the edge of the panels through all three layers of material and blanket. Trim the edge within two inches. Fold over one time and you will have a one inch edging. (That is the white color around the edge of the quilt. You will be able to wash the quilt in the washing machine and dry it in the dryer without mishap. Let it snow! Sandy M
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Rate It: The neck pillow is sewn from upholstery fabric that I purchased from an estate sale at a very cheap price. I also bought a small piece of fleece for the inside lining at Walmart. Cut 2 pieces for neck pillow, and 2 pieces for lining. I cut my pattern pieces from interfacing, so the pattern would last me for a long time. I think it was a McCall's sewing pattern. I came across this website which has a similar neck pattern pillow you can make for hospital patients. Or even make one for yourself. This is great to have on a long bus trip. By MCW from NY
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Rate It: Sparkleheart! I've been experimenting with turning a sparkleball into a sparkleheart for Valentine's Day. So far so good, but if anybody else wants to give it a try, jump in! By Sparkleball Lady from San Diego Editor's Note: See more about sparkleballs, including instructions on how to make them at http://www.sparkleball.com
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Make A Pillow Out Of A Beloved Shirt Because I have six kids, we tend to pass down a lot of clothes to the next sibling. My oldest son had a special shirt he simply did NOT want to let go of. Rather than pass it down to his brother, I agreed to let him keep it. But he simply could not keep it as a shirt because he continued to wear it, despite his belly hanging out. So I stitched up the arm holes and neck hole and filled the "torso" of the shirt with fiberfill. Then I stitched up the bottom of the shirt, creating a super cute, super cozy PILLOW! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59589328.tip.html
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Rate It: Use a Black Light to Find Missed Stitches Just when you think your stitched picture is perfect, take a black light and you will find the missing stitch(es). The white background will glow through where there was supposed to be a thread. This couldn't be any easier! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80498652.tip.html
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Rate It: Store Craft Supplies In Tackle Boxes Foldout fishing tackle boxes make great storage boxes for craft supplies and projects. You don't have to search for paint brushes or other items, and you can easily transport your supplies. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62410577.tip.html
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Rate It: Many Uses For Dollar Store Shower Curtains I do many painting and craft projects, both inside and outside. Each spring, I pick up 5 or 6 plastic shower curtains from the dollar store. You wouldn't believe how many uses I've found for them. They even come in clear, to cover drafty windows in the winter! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12043810.tip.html
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Rate It: Use O Rings For Stitch Markers When Knitting I was working on a knitting project recently, and the pattern called for stitch markers. I could not locate mine, but my husband came to my rescue. He was doing a plumbing job on the kitchen faucet, and was replacing an "O" ring. I just "borrowed" 4 "O" rings in the correct size for my #ll needles, and proceeded with my project. You can purchase assorted sizes of rubber "O" rings where plumbing supplies are sold. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78139314.tip.html
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I want to make dog clothing but don't know where to find free patterns. I'm thinking of making things such as snoods, coats, etc. Does anyone have any other suggestions for things I can sew in the pet arena? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12069940.tip.html
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Rate It: I want to make button bracelets for my 35 year-old daughter. If I use elastic to make the bracelet, how can I cover the back (next to the skin) with fabric so the stitching doesn't rub on her skin? If I just cover it with fabric, how do I join it to the front without it showing? Thanks for your help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46651524.tip.html
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Rate It: Where can I purchase wire or metal molds to make butterflies out of nylons or other fabrics? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf783825.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for new and creative ways to make a Barbie doll house. An idea I had was to make a tree house like the one in the movie Swiss family Robinson but scaled for Barbie dolls. Any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39994812.tip.html
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Rate It: Making a Scarf for Someone Having Chemo I am looking for a pattern for a kind of scarf for my boyfriends mom. She will be starting Chemo on Monday. She hates wigs and she has seen these scarves, she said they are a triangle, with a head band and you can tie it if you want. They are made out of material. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80350960.tip.html
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Rate It: I would like to know if you have to use Mog Pog or is there a way to decoupage cheaper just for practice? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19766383.tip.html
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Rate It: Ideas for No-sew Curtains or Roman Shades Does anyone have any ideas for no-sew curtains and Roman shades? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36547503.tip.html
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Rate It: Craft Ideas for Bib Overall Tops I have several pairs of my husbands old overalls. The legs are worn thin and ripped, but the top bib part is still good fabric. Any ideas what craft I could use these for? I had been saving them to replace the bib clips on a good pair that break, but I have a good supply of those now. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59208225.tip.html
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Rate It: Is it a bad idea to make curtains out of Taffeta? I got a lot of raised eyebrows when I told people that I was planning on making the curtains out of taffeta. I'm new at the whole sewing thing, so I don't know too much about fabrics. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75691349.tip.html
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Rate It: Trying to Find a Cross Stitch Verse I am looking for a Cross Stitch Verse, that starts with the line 'All to myself I think of you, think of the things we used to do...' Can anybody help me find the rest? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10504695.tip.html
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