ThriftyFun Crafts - September 1, 2010

Vol. 5, Num. 35, September 1, 2010

Hi,

Today's newsletter has our usual variety of wonderful crafts. There are several that the children can make or help to assemble. Additionally, there are crafts that would make lovely gifts or home decor items. One thing quite notable about today's newsletter is the emphasis on the use of recycled materials. This is always a plus. Take your time and peruse them all.

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: Wish Bracelet
Craft Project: Bear Gift/Lunch Bag
Craft Project: Grilling Apron
Craft Project: Vintage Frame
Craft Project: Recycled Wine Cork Bracelets

Tips:

Use Plastic Paper Clips to Hold Bias Tape on Curved Edges
Craft: Vintage Potholder Pillow
Make Your Own Moon Sand
Craft: Recycled Purse Decoration
Craft: Mona Lisa REMIX
Craft: Decorated Recycled Buckets
Craft: Grungy Paper For Scrapbooking
Dimensional Paint Recipe
Craft: Paper Plate Smiley Face
Craft: A Loving Spoonful

Requests:

Looking for 3D Crochet Shell Stitch Instructions
Homemade Columns for a Wedding Reception
SpongeBob Squarepants Origami Pattern
Ideas for Making a Model of an Animal from Household Items
Drilling Glass Blocks
Uses For Wallpaper
Making Furniture Out of Wooden Clothespins
What Are The Best Selling Crafts This Year?
Making Fleece Lap Blankets
Replacing the Elastic Waistbands
Wizard of Oz Decorations and Craft Ideas
How Do I Make Soft Sculpture Dolls?
What Does "sm" Mean in Knitting Instructions?
Making Liquid Soap from Leftover Bar Soap
Craft Ideas Using Recycled Leather Jacket
Where Can I Get Free Yarn for Charity Projects?
Making a Recyclable Toy for Infants and Toddlers
Looking For Metallic Paint for a Knitted Scarf
Making a Display Case for Hot Wheels Cars
Looking for Selvage Edge Fabric Scraps
Making Hand-Held Fans
Jewelry Made from Trellis Ribbon Yarn
Pattern for Plastic Canvas Magazine Holder

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: Wish Bracelet

This intricate (but easy) wish bracelet is a great Valentine's Day gift. Take three pieces of hemp long enough too fit around you wrist and tie around 10 inches.

Craft Project: Wish Bracelet

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91017684.tip.html

Craft Project: Bear Gift/Lunch Bag

Create this recycled bear bag and use as a gift bag or cute lunch tote for your kids.

Craft Project: Bear Gift/Lunch Bag

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85115307.tip.html

Craft Project: Grilling Apron

This is a quick apron to sew together for backyard grilling. Use the legs and seats of the jeans and sew together to make the width of the apron.

Craft Project: Grilling Apron

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39748278.tip.html

Craft Project: Vintage Frame

With just about any frame that has wide edges, you can make a beautiful frame from fabric and scrap embellishments. You can leave the frame "photo less" if you think someone would like to put in their own family member.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75582101.tip.html

Craft Project: Recycled Wine Cork Bracelets

I made this collection of bracelets with slices of wine corks, garden twine, beads from my craft box, scrap findings and fine gauge copper wire. I was really pleased with the results and have already had great feedback and even some orders!

Craft Project: Recycled Wine Cork Bracelets

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25443990.tip.html

Use Plastic Paper Clips to Hold Bias Tape on Curved Edges

I am working on some place mats for my son and his family. My daughter-in-law's grandmother passed away a few years ago, and her sewing machine and all the accompanying stuff passed to my daughter-in-law. She doesn't sew, so she gave me a lot of the trims and such. She gave me a beautiful piece of fabric without asking me to do anything with it. I decided to do the place mats so there will be my work and the grandmother's and great-grandmother's fabric. Something for Mike, Andrea, and the kids.

Now for my tip. I have a rather unorthodox way of attaching bias tape to some items. I just insert the fabric into the fold and stitch it down. Since the place mats are oval shaped, I was having trouble holding them flat and in place. I bought a box of the little plastic paper clips, and they are working just fine. I just stitch a ways and remove them. They are much less expensive than the quilting clips.

By MartyD from Houston, TX

Use Plastic Paper Clips to Hold Bias Tape on Curved Edges

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82510685.tip.html

Craft: Vintage Potholder Pillow

I have a lot of vintage potholders hanging around my kitchen, but this one was my favorite and I wanted to do something different with it. So, I crocheted a simple square pillow with 2 strands of worsted weight yarn to the size I wanted. Then I sewed the potholder on. It makes me smile. Really with pillows like this you could make pockets and put a teddy bear in it, an old pretty hankie, anything that is special to you.

By joynchocolate from Landisville, PA

Craft: Vintage Potholder Pillow

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37884798.tip.html

Make Your Own Moon Sand

For "moon sand", mix 9 cups play sand (really fine sand you can find at Wal-Mart). Add 3 cups cornstarch and 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups water. Start with 2 1/4 cup and continue adding water until you have the desired consistency. Mix well. Cover and store in an airtight container. You may need to add a few tablespoons of water if it needs to be moistened.

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/tf81648640.tip.html

Craft: Recycled Purse Decoration

I took a $.50 purse, some flowers, and embellishments and made an "old time" decoration for my bathroom. When I put it all together, I thought you might enjoy making something similar.

Approximate Time: 1.5 hours or less

Supplies:

old purse: It needs to be the kind that stands on it's own and has the decoration or pattern in the front.
silk flowers of your choice
old gloves, jewelry, doilies, hankies, or anything old that you would or could find in a ladies purse
hot glue gun
scissors

Instructions:

With the purse open, arrange the things you want to put in it before you glue.

I used all black and white as my bathroom is red, black and white. I wasn't able to fish out red stuff, as I am moving, so I went with what I had, all white.

You can bend the flowers to cover the front of the purse, too. I strung the beads as I had them, but no jewelry. This is literally what I could find around the house.

When all is done, simply hot glue the items in, then put the flowers where they will fit. You don't even have to glue them if you wanted to change them by season. I got these roses at the Dollar Tree, but miniature roses or real dried roses would be lovely, too. Have fun! PS: I am enclosing two shots. One is inside and makes every thing look like it's cream colored, but the details are a bit better. The other is outside and is very, very white!

By Sandi from Coos Bay OR

Craft: Recycled Purse Decoration

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75397158.tip.html

Craft: Mona Lisa REMIX

My 8 and 10 year old students were given a color Xerox of the Mona Lisa. They had to use mixed media and whatever recycled elements they could find to give her a new look. All the embellishments came out of the recycled art bin! What do you think Leonardo would say?

By Lori

Craft: Mona Lisa REMIX

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39102002.tip.html

Craft: Decorated Recycled Buckets

Apply decorative finishes on bucket surface using Mod Podge or similar product. I made a toys carry-all bucket for my grandson. These buckets are just the right size for small children to carry around by the handle. Use with or without the lid. There are lots of other uses too.

Approximate Time: One hour for project. Longer time depending on how many coats of finishes applied

Supplies:

empty cat litter or detergent bucket
small 1-3 inch wide disposable brush or sponge brush
Mod Podge or similar product. There a several. I buy the 16 oz. one. The smaller size will do for this project.
paper - I use 2-3 large sheets of scrapbook paper. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns and is always on sale, but any paper will do.
scissors
wet rag to wipe hands on during project

Instructions:

Cut paper to fit around the bucket or cut as you go. If using large scrapbook paper, only the paper for the sides needs to be cut. Overlapping the paper is okay. You want to cover all the writing on the buckets. Pour a small amount of Mod Podge into a bowl or use out of the container. Apply a medium coat of Mod Podge on front of bucket evenly.

Put on scrapbook paper or other paper of your choice. Make sure the paper is straight and where you want it. You will only be able to move it once or twice, as it gets tacky fast. Smooth out as much of the bubbles and wrinkles you can with your fingers before it gets tacky. The rest will flatten as it dries.

Once you have finished the first side, start on the opposite side. Do the sides of the bucket last. You might need to overlap the side paper with the front and that will be fine. Let it dry. You can then put 2-3 thin coats of Mod Podge on. I put two coats on mine. You can follow what's written on the Modge Podge container for the coats.

There is no right or wrong way to do this project. If you think it doesn't look right, wait till it dries. It does look a lot better dry than wet. Once the coats are applied, most of flaws disappear. It is very unique looking. Use with or without the lid on.

I am making one for a granddaughter next. And another to give as a gift for a little boy.

By xintexas from San Antonio, TX

Craft: Decorated Recycled Buckets

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16701245.tip.html

Craft: Grungy Paper For Scrapbooking

Easy way to make your own grungy background paper for cards or scrapbooks.

Approximate Time: 15 minutes

Supplies:

white cardstock
tacky glue
ink pad
makeup sponge
optional stamps

Instructions:

Take a piece of white cardstock and dot tacky glue over the entire piece. Take your finger and spread it out a little. You aren't covering entire paper, just parts of it. The glue should be tacky. Let dry for about 5 minutes. Then dab your makeup sponge into the ink and swirl over whole paper. If the sponge doesn't take it off of the glue enough, then use a paper towel to wipe ink. You can use multiple colors if you like, go from light to dark.

Then you can use a stamp if you like to stamp something on top. When I used distress ink from Ranger, it dried on top of the glue, but just regular ink did wipe off the glue parts. This is from a stamp, so the word dream came partly off, but I kinda like it.

By Christi from Columbia, TN

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58586790.tip.html

Dimensional Paint Recipe

To make dimensional paint, you'll need 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4-1/2 cup water and food coloring. In a small bowl, mix the salt and flour. Start out by adding 1/4 cup water and stir well. Continue to add water, a few drops at a time, until your mixture is the consistency of a thick milkshake. Divide the paint into separate containers depending on how many colors you want to make. Add a few drops of food coloring until you have the color you like.

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/tf81156480.tip.html

Craft: Paper Plate Smiley Face

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Supplies:

yellow paper plate
black paper
glue
black yarn

Instructions:

Cut 2 silver dollar size circles from black construction paper for the eyes. Cut out a 2 1/2 inch smiley face mouth or alternately another circle.

Cut 10 pieces of yarn each 3 inches long. Line up 9 of them, use the tenth to tie them together in the middle for the hair. Alternately use 9 6-inch pieces of yarn, then braid them together to make a girl.

Glue on the eyes and the mouth. Then glue the hair on and let dry.

This makes an excellent activity for groups of children if the cutting is done beforehand.

By Debbie from Nevada, IA

Craft: Paper Plate Smiley Face

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71732253.tip.html

Craft: A Loving Spoonful

A cheap, cheerful and useful homemade gift that can be assembled with things you have in your craft box or even lying around the house in an emergency! Wooden spoon are a traditional gift for newlyweds or as a love token. This would also make a great housewarming gift, and it can easily be put together by children with a little supervision.

Approximate Time: 10 - 30 minutes

Supplies:

wooden spoons/spoon
tiny beads
small package of herb spice mix
ribbons recycle if you can
tags
sentiments on small tags

Instructions:

Once you have assembled all your bits and pieces have fun playing around arranging them in the most attractive way. You can theme or color scheme according to the occasion or your recipients favorites.

In the one I made for the photo I used some sentiments I got free with a craft magazine. The large tag is also made up with freebies. The ribbon was saved from a gift I received. The little package of herb salt was made with my own dried herbs and some very cheap sea salt and the package is a piece of a cellophane gift wrap.

This project it is so flexible, frugal and fast, a simple version can even be put together for fundraisers.

By Ayesha from Slovenia, EU

Craft: A Loving Spoonful

Contest Contender!

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

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98745689.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!

Looking for 3D Crochet Shell Stitch Instructions

Has anyone ever heard of a 3D shell crochet stitch? I saw this on YouTube as a dishcloth or potholder stitch and it was very pretty. Please help. I cannot find this stitch.

By ms-peaches from Charlotte, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45387295.tip.html

Homemade Columns for a Wedding Reception

How do I make cheap columns? Has anyone ever made them out of PVC piping?

By Laurie

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65192351.tip.html

SpongeBob Squarepants Origami Pattern

I want to make an easy SpongeBob Squarepants origami for my friend and I would like to know where I can find the pattern.
Thanks :)

By E from Singapore

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40246398.tip.html

Ideas for Making a Model of an Animal from Household Items

My daughter has a school project. She has to make any animal from ordinary household items. Is there anyone that could give me some easy ideas? She's only in second grade and mom is not so crafty. Thanks!

By Katrina from TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48753053.tip.html

Drilling Glass Blocks

What do I need to cut a hole in glass (bottle, blocks)? I want to put lights in them and use them for decoration. Can anyone tell me the tools that I would need for this? Or if there is a web site that I could go to for help. Thanks.

By Karen from Reynoldsville, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99940470.tip.html

Uses For Wallpaper

I have some discontinued wall covering books and I would like to use the book of design pages to decorate bookshelves, etc. The problem is, I don't know how to get the pins or screws that hold all of the sample wall covering designs together. Can anyone suggest what I can do? They are not easy to get off.

Thank you for any help.

By Linda from Cleveland, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf250227.tip.html

Making Furniture Out of Wooden Clothespins

I want to make the clothespin doll house furniture for my daughter. I don't know if I'm missing something on this site or if it's just not posted. Anyone know how I find the instructions on how to make the furniture?

By Cheri from Minneapolis, MN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63338607.tip.html

What Are The Best Selling Crafts This Year?

What is the best selling craft at the craft fairs?

By Amber

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54668106.tip.html

Making Fleece Lap Blankets

A group of us ladies are planning to make fleece lap blankets for a local nursing home. We need to know what is a good size for those in a wheelchair. The fleece is 59-60 inches wide and we would like to make as many blankets as possible with as little waste as possible.

By Pam from Seminole, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91371281.tip.html

Replacing the Elastic Waistbands

My daughter has some vintage skirts that had elastic waists that are now stretched out (old elastic cannot be removed), but the material still seems to be okay. The elastic is enclosed in material and she wants to know if it would be possible to put in new elastic and if so how could this be done?

We are not big on sewing so she may have to find someone to do this for her. Alterations are so expensive that it might not be worth it.

Please let us know if you have some ideas. Thanks

By cybergrannie from Ocala, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69384116.tip.html

Wizard of Oz Decorations and Craft Ideas

I would like information on Wizard of Oz decorations and craft ideas.

By Sharon from St. Louis, MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67358381.tip.html

How Do I Make Soft Sculpture Dolls?

I would like information on how to make soft sculpted dolls.

By Jude from Vancouver, BC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39588864.tip.html

What Does "sm" Mean in Knitting Instructions?

In knitting what does the abbreviation "sm" mean?

By Julia from Margate, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32676140.tip.html

Making Liquid Soap from Leftover Bar Soap

How do I make liquid soap out of slivers of bar soap?

By Monica

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53621041.tip.html

Craft Ideas Using Recycled Leather Jacket

I have a leather jacket that has a large tear in the leather. I hate to throw it out so I'm looking for some craft ideas to recycle the leather from the jacket.

By Rose from Malvern, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39886013.tip.html

Where Can I Get Free Yarn for Charity Projects?

My mother knits for charity and we're on a tight budget. Does anyone know anywhere I can get yarn donated to us? Individuals or business? She makes beautiful afghans for our local orphanage, and we're running low on yarn. If you can, please email me with assistance. Thank you.

By Darlene from Spanaway, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35848110.tip.html

Making a Recyclable Toy for Infants and Toddlers

I need ideas for how to make a recyclable toy for infants/toddlers.

By Sandra from Los Angeles, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91344747.tip.html

Looking For Metallic Paint for a Knitted Scarf

Do you know where I can find paint for a knitted scarf that looks like pieces of aluminum?

By Debbie from CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16641541.tip.html

Making a Display Case for Hot Wheels Cars

My husband collects Hot Wheels cars. I have stock piled about 50 over the past year. Whenever I'm out shopping I will buy 4 or 5 at a time. His birthday is coming up and I am looking everywhere to find ideas for some kind of display case I can make. Anyone out there have any ideas?

I know there are other die hard collectors out there. I'm surprised there aren't more suggestions on the internet. I'm pretty good with wood, hammer, and nails. I would also like to keep them in the packaging.
Thanks.

By She Drags from Ontario, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21706463.tip.html

Looking for Selvage Edge Fabric Scraps

I'm looking for sources of the selvage edge scraps trimmed off quilting yardage. It can be any length, but I'd like to have widths of about 1.5 to 2 inches. I especially like selvage with the color dots and writing on the edge, but any will work for my project. Thanks to anybody who responds!

By Kukutu from Belmond, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56909725.tip.html

Making Hand-Held Fans

I would like to make round hand fans to cover with fabric. I'm having a hard time finding the right sizes, ex. 9, 10, 11, or or 12 inch round cardboard cutouts with or without handles. I can purchase those separately and attach them myself. Has anyone ever ordered round cardstock ?

By Mamie from Kingston, TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64540663.tip.html