ThriftyFun Crafts - August 12, 2009

We have more crafts and tips this week. Hope you enjoy them!

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The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Holiday Ice Candle
• Craft Project: "Mouse" Pad
• Craft: Ribbon Trimmed Picture
• Making a Money Tree
• Craft Project: Beach Reminder Jars
• Craft: Crochet Beaded Hair Scrunchies
• Craft: Tablecloth Dress
• Craft Project: Sculpture Painting
• Craft Project: Tote Bag Decorator Pillow

Tips:

• Buy Flannel at Thrift Stores
• I Love My Hand Crank Sewing Machine

Requests:

• Putting Photos on a Quilt
• Singer Sewing Machine Manuals
• Sewing Satin Trim on Blankets
• Free Sewing Patterns Online
• Making Afghans with the Knifty Knitter
• Using Gesso to Create Dimension
• Instructions for Crocheted Potholders
• "Baby in a Blanket" Puppet Pattern
• Creatively Reusing Chop Sticks
• Gecko Costume Pattern for Dog
• Making a Fragrance Lamp
• Coat Hanger Photo Frame for Wall
• Correct Way to Sharpen Scissors
• Making Bookshelves On the Stair Rails

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

Holiday Ice Candle

This candle is easy to make and makes a very attractive centerpiece. It looks like a candle inside of chunks of snow.

Materials:

• Cardboard milk carton, half-gallon size

• 8 or 10 cakes of Gulf Wax from the grocery store

• A thin white candle tall enough to go from bottom of milk carton to top of new candle, or candle wick

• Enough ice cubes, broken in half, to more than fill the milk carton.*

Directions:

Cut the top off the milk carton, wash thoroughly, let dry. Melt the wax. I melt mine in an old 2 quart measuring cup set in a pan of boiling water. The measuring cup makes the wax easier to pour.

Holding the thin candle or wick in the center, fill the milk carton with the broken ice cubes, and immediately pour the hot wax into the ice-filled container. As soon as it has cooled, pour the water off and remove the carton.

Place the candle on a saucer and decorate by putting a wide ribbon and bow around the bottom of the candle. Flowers may be put around the base, if desired.

This is a particularly nice candle for Christmas because the clear/white wax looks like snow and you can place short pieces of pine branches around the base immediately below the ribbon.

Source: I don't remember where the idea came from as I have been making these candles since I was a kid, and I am now retired.

By Clynn from Inglis, FL

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Craft Project: "Mouse" Pad

Kids will enjoy making this cute mouse pad to decorate their desktops. A great study buddy that will be quiet as a mouse!

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Craft: Ribbon Trimmed Picture

Ever purchase a puzzle you can't get to for a while? I did, and since the "Libra Lady's" birthday is coming up and I won't be here, I thought it would be nice to give her the front so she can enjoy it.

I simply cut out the photo, punched holes around the perimeter, and threaded pretty ribbon through them. To punch holes evenly, which is vital to it looking nice and even, you begin with a hole on each corner. Then, do one in the middle of the top and bottom, and the sides, using a ruler to measure. Then, simply keep doing that, halving each space till the desired spacing is done.

You can also crochet them but it's harder and takes longer. If you do, you will need a hook small enough to go into the holes and crochet thread is recommended.

I thought this was worth sharing, so enjoy!

Source: Been doing this for a long time.

By Poor But Proud from Salem OR

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Making a Money Tree

I have made several money trees for our ministers and missionaries. Just get a branch off a tree the size you can use. For a base, my son got a six inch piece of firewood nice and round, drilled a hole in the center of it for a base, and put the branch in. Or you can fill a three pound can with sand and stick the branches in it. We always use one dollar bills and taped on the limbs. I usually used 100 bills, and it is easy to make and a lot of fun.

Source: I have made these for many years.

By Helen P. from Greensburg, IN

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Craft Project: Beach Reminder Jars

I picked up these interesting little jars at a thrift store for 25 cents. They sort of reminded me of perfume jars so I thought they would be nice in the bathroom.

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Craft: Crochet Beaded Hair Scrunchies

For all of you who have already crocheted everything you can think of as gifts for your friends and relatives, here's something new and fun to make for them! It's a beautiful pattern I've designed myself for Beaded Hair Scrunchies which I'd like to share with you. This scrunchie will glimmer and shimmer in the light and both kids and adults love to wear them.

Materials

• 2 types of beads* (one opaque and one clear in 2 different sizes from 4mm to 12mm)
• some lace or baby weight yarn or crochet cotton**
• one elastic hair band with no metal (thick or thin)
• a crochet hook (aluminum size E or the largest in stainless hooks)
• "big-eye" beading needle.

** Yarn: The yarn should be thin enough to go through the beads but not fray and it works best if it's not fuzzy. Knit-cro-sheen (for lace and doilies) works wonderfully, but if you can find a shiny rayon blend in lace weight you've got it made! his yarn or fiber needs to be strong enough to take the beads rubbing back and forth across it without catching on the beads and snagging, so a dense weave yarn or thread works best.<

Beading Instructions

• Step 1: Open the "Big Eye" beading needle in the center and thread it with your thin crochet cotton or lace weight yarn.

• Step 2: Thread your beads on to the yarn in sets in this pattern: 2 of the larger beads (Bead type "A") then 3 of the smaller beads (Bead type "B") then repeat. 2 of type A, then 3 of type B until you have 11 sets of each type alternating or 22 sets total.

Crochet Instructions

This pattern uses only 2 stitches (single crochet and slip stitch). You'd do 3 single crochets around the band then put on a set of beads one at a time with a slip stitch after (and over) each bead then repeat (3 single crochets around the band, put on the beads one at a time with a slip stitch after (and over each one) then repeat.

Note: If your beads are tiny, you can do 2 single crochets between each set of beads instead of 3, with buttons you need 3 sc

• Step 1: Take the round hair elastic and start by crocheting 3 single crochets around it. (You do this by putting your hook in front then down inside the ring of elastic then through the center to grab the yarn with your hook and bringing it back up and around the front to the top of the elastic then letting this loop slide on to your hook then finishing your single crochet stitch by grabbing the yarn and pulling through both loops)

• Step 2: Slide the first of the 3 smaller beads up to where you're working and crochet a slip stitch over it. Do the next 2 beads in the set of 3 the same way (slide up a bead then slip stitch over it). Make a cluster of these beads by doing a single crochet in the top of the last single crochet stitch (this brings the beads back towards the elastic in a loop of 3 beads).

• Step 3: Do 3 single crochets around the hair elastic.

• Step 4: Repeat step 2 but this time slide down the 2 larger beads and do a slip stitch over each. One, then the other, then do a single crochet in the top of the last single crochet forming a loop of these 2 beads back down to the hair elastic.

• Step 5: Do 3 single crochets around the hair elastic.

  Start with step 1 again and continue this same pattern around the elastic hair band until you have used up all 22 sets of beads.

To Finish: Pull the beginning piece of yarn (from where you first started) through the ending loop of yarn then tie 3 square knots to finish, then thread the yarn-thread back into your work and tie these ends again for extra security. Finish by dabbing the knots with clear nail polish for even more security. Lastly, gently pull on the elastic to stretch it and the beads will arrange themselves into an even pattern.

A Warning: Don't pull to tightly on the knots when tying or you may break your thread as I have done on several occasions.

Any questions? Send a note to "Cyinda" here on ThriftyFun and I'd be happy to answer. I've designed many patterns myself but this is the first time I've taken the time to actually write one down. Let me know how your Beaded Scrunchie turned out and please let me know if I've made myself perfectly clear and if I could make any changes. If you like this easy beaded scrunchie and I'll take the time to write up more of my original crochet patterns (from beginner to advanced).

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Editor's Note: To contact Cyinda (or any ThriftyFun member), just click on her name above and then go to "Send a Message".

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Craft: Tablecloth Dress

For those who sew, it's no secret that fabric prices have gotten ridiculously high. This dress was made with a tablecloth. New or gently used tablecloths and sheets can be found at thrift stores for next to nothing and provide tons of yardage.

By April from Albany, GA

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Craft Project: Sculpture Painting

An unusual painting technique to get that 3D effect.

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Craft Project: Tote Bag Decorator Pillow

I picked up this tote at the dollar store because it fit in with my country living room but I wasn't sure what I'd use it for. Then it occurred to me that it would make a perfect sofa pillow. So I re-used filling from an old pillow and whipstiched the opening. I even tucked in the straps so I can re-use it as a "green" grocery bag when I get tired of the pillow. Total cost: $1! You can find totes for even less at garage sales and thrift stores.

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Buy Flannel at Thrift Stores

This is the time of the year when the thrift stores have flannel sheets on sale for around a quarter. I just bought a couple more mismatched ones to sew into flannel PJ bottoms and nightgowns. Buying flannel in the sheets is much cheaper than paying the $8 a yard or more at Walmart!

By Mom-from-missouri from NW Missouri

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I Love My Hand Crank Sewing Machine

I love to sew and have been using the same machine for forty plus years. It doesn't do fancy stuff, but I'm not fancy. A few years ago I came across a hand crank Singer sewing machine. It didn't have a needle or an instruction book, but I fell in love with it.

After I got my "treasure" home, I found my hand crank sewing machine uses the same needles as the new ones. (I purchased the needles at the Dollar Store!) The manual is free on the Singer site.

This hand crank machine locks the stitches better than my trusty forty year old, sews through multiple layers of fabric without missing a stitch. Best of all, I can sew outside or at a civil war reenactment. I have made several friends while they sat and watched me sew. Yes, I let them crank if they ask!

Next time you see a machine for sale, give it a try, you might be surprised at how much pleasure you will receive. Oh, I paid $35.00 for mine in an antique store.

By Tedebear from San Jose CA

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Putting Photos on a Quilt

How do I use freezer paper to make photos for my quilt?

By melinda.work from Bogue Chitto, MS

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Singer Sewing Machine Manuals

How to find an instruction manual for a singer sewing machine model # 57820?

By lambslife from Toledo, OH

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Sewing Satin Trim on Blankets

What is the easiest most accurate way to sew the satin ribbon on blankets. I'm having difficulty with the corners. I'm unsure how to cut and sew. I've been experimenting with it, but there must be a trick to it.

By Marsha Jean from Belmont, NY

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Free Sewing Patterns Online

Does anyone have a web site that offers free sewing patterns and instructions?

By spoostad from CT

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Making Afghans with the Knifty Knitter

I just got a Knifty Knitter round loom set on Saturday, and so far, I've made 2 hats. I'm going to attempt to make a scarf. Is there a way to make an easy afghan with the round loom set? I've been searching all over the internet and I can't find a pattern. I need something simple.

By bethsunshine

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Using Gesso to Create Dimension

How do you use gesso to get dimension on rock painting?

By gram p from Waterloo, IA

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Instructions for Crocheted Potholders

I am trying to locate instructions for crochet potholders.

By surfingranny from Madeira Beach, FL

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"Baby in a Blanket" Puppet Pattern

Does anyone have a pattern for crocheted "baby in a blanket" puppet?

By janflo

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Creatively Reusing Chop Sticks

What can be done with used chopsticks? I got a bowl at a craft fair once that was strung together with fishing line and folded up. That was pretty cool. I have made a folding business card holder with them. I was wondering what else people have thought of.

By mctc

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Gecko Costume Pattern for Dog

I am trying to find a lizard (Gecko) costume pattern for a small dog (XX-Small). Our local community is having a Gecko Fest and i would love to dress my 4# chihuahua "Dixie" up as a Gecko. Any suggestions?

By ChiwawaMom from St.Petersburg, FL

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Making a Fragrance Lamp

How do you make a fragrance lamp?

By conp from Old Town, FL

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Coat Hanger Photo Frame for Wall

Can someone tell me how I can make a wire photo hanger for mounting on the wall? I would like it to hold several pictures or cards.

By donisue from MO

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Correct Way to Sharpen Scissors

Is there a method to sharpen your own scissors?

By kimbo204 from Madison, WI

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Making Bookshelves On the Stair Rails

How do I make a bookcase shelves on the rail of a stairs? I have a small space house. Thank you.

By funnyelena from Canada

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