ThriftyFun Crafts - October 4, 2009

We have several new step by step videos on the site, and will have more as Christmas approaches. Be sure to take a look and let us know what you think. Please keep sending in the Thanksgiving crafts and tips for the upcoming weeks' newsletter.

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The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Craft Project: 3-D Paper Ornament
• Video: Paper Jack-O-Lantern Craft
• Craft Project: Mitten Bookmark
• Halloween: Headless Horseman Costume
• Craft Project: Turkey Napkin Rings
• Craft Project: Halloween Lamps
• Craft Project: Quilted Coasters

Tips:

• Putting Tights on a Doll
• Children's Play Dough
• Fall Decorated Pumpkins With Mod Podge
• Buy Pre-Drilled Glass Blocks
• Make Gift Tags Out of Junk Mail
• Reusing Leftovers From Sticker Sheets

Requests:

• Pattern for Hat With Earflaps
• Year Round Wreath Ideas
• Frosting Glass Blocks
• Can I Sew Leather with Singer Model 99-31?
• Using Decals on Lighted Glass Blocks
• Making a Toilet Tank Cover
• Large Yard Art Star
• Buying Foam Pumpkins
• Popsicle Christmas Tree Ornaments
• Craft: Horseshoe Cross
• Fall Flower Arrangement Ideas
• Make a Vanity Tray From a Picture Frame
• Crafty Uses for Game Pieces
• Craft Ideas Using Marbles
• Unusual Clock Designs Using Household Items
• Granny Square Air Freshener Cover
• Crochet Coat Hangers
• Metallic Crochet Thread and Other Fancy Supplies
• Adjusting the Tension on a Serger Sewing Machine
• Build Your Own Sofa
• Using a Knitting Machine
• Using Doilies and Dresser Scarves in Craft Projects

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: 3-D Paper Ornament

Approximate Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Supplies:

• 4 inch square of paper, white or colored
• Piece of thread for hanging
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Glue gun
• Hole Punch
• Glitter glue if desired

Instructions:

1. Fold the paper in half to make a triangle, then fold again.
2. Starting from the folded edge, but parallel to the long side of the triangle, make 5 equal cuts, stopping about 1/4 inch from the opposite side. (See diagram.)
3. Unfold the paper. Lift and curl the middle section up and around a pencil and glue the points together. Remove the pencil as soon as glue is dry.
4. Curl the second set of points to the back and glue together, third set to the front, fourth to the back and fifth to the front, gluing each set of points in turn.
5. Glue a loop of thread at the top for hanging.
(If you want to make a star, glue six of these ornaments together at the tip.)

1. Fold the paper in quarters and cut along fold lines, then fold each smaller piece in half lengthwise. Sketch a pattern such as a bell, Christmas tree or snowflake opposite the fold line. Cut out.

2. Copy the design onto two more folded papers and cut out. Use hole punch to make designs and trim edges with glitter glue if desired.

3. Run a very narrow bead of white glue along fold line of first cutout. Place second cutout on top. Repeat for third cutout. Press together and let dry. (Another method is to stack the cutouts and using matching thread, sew down the center using a long stitch on the machine.)

4. Fan out sections as shown in photo. Use needle and thread to make loop for hanging.

By Preserver from Manitoba

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Video: Paper Jack-O-Lantern Craft
By Laurel Ehlers

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Craft Project: Mitten Bookmark

Felt mittens make handy bookmark.

Materials:

• Felt scraps, 3x1 inches
• Tacky glue
• Beads, sequins or glitter glue for trim
• Metal pin curl clip
• Yarn for hanging loop

Instructions:

On the center of the cuff end of each palm-side piece, cut out a tiny rectangle the width of the pin curl clip and 1 inch long.

Glue the two sides of each mitten along the edges, catching in the ends of the yarn loop as shown. Decorate the top of each mitten. Clip together.

By Preserver

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Halloween: Headless Horseman Costume

Supplies

• Large shirt 2 or 3 sizes larger than child, even an adult shirt
• child's shirt in same color
• jeans
• stuffing
• small piece of red cloth
• cardboard
• pumpkin bucket for head.

Instructions

Now the harder part. lLay cardboard on child's shoulders inside adult shirt. Stuff until the shirt looks like it fits up to neck. Cover neck opening with cloth. The child will now look headless with extra big shoulders. Have them hold pumpkin in crook of arm as if carrying head.

This costume has always won first place any time I have used it. We usually have someone lead the child around for safety.

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Craft Project: Turkey Napkin Rings

A cute little turkey idea you and your kids can make together to add a little fun to your Thanksgiving table.

Approximate Time: 45 minutes

Supplies:

• cardboard tube
• brown paint and paint brush
• cardboard
• pencil
• scissors
• crepe paper streamer in red, orange and green
• glue
• orange and yellow construction paper or card stock
• wiggle/google eye

Instructions:

Cut a 1 - 1 1/2 inch piece of cardboard. Paint it brown and set it aside to dry. This will be the body of your turkey and also the part that holds the napkin.

Cut a half circle from cardboard, then cut a smaller half circle from the bottom of it so it will fit over the cardboard tube.

Cut 6 to 8 inch pieces of streamer from all colors. Twist these together in the middle. Then, starting at the inside half circle of your cardboard piece, glue the twisted section over the cardboard so the untwisted parts of the streamer will fan out at the top and create a turkey tail. Continue until you cover the cardboard.

Color reference the photo for drawing and cutting out the turkey head, beak and feet. Fold the bottom of the turkey neck backwards and glue this little tab inside the cardboard tube to attach the head. Glue the feet to the underside of the cardboard tube.

Use glue to attach the tail over the back of the cardboard tube section.

Glue a wiggle/google eye onto your turkey's head.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Craft Project: Halloween Lamps

Using recycled cardboard, a piece of acrylic sheathing and Christmas lights I had on hand, I made a few Halloween lamps for the holiday.

Approximate Time: 1-2 hours

Supplies:

• cardboard
• acrylic or plexiglass
• duck tape
• Christmas lights*
• acrylic paint
• cutting tools
• paint brushes

Instructions:

Make a 6x6 inch box from recycled cardboard.

Cut the acrylic or plexiglass sheet to fit this box.

Paint pumpkin and or skull on copy paper.

Make a "lightboard": a piece of cardboard that fits inside the box. Make 5/16th inch holes (20) to hold lights.

Place painted or drawn pumpkin/skull on plastic sheet.

Cut out the shape of the skull or pumpkin from black cardstock. This will let the light illuminate the artwork.

Place lights inside, cover with the plastic/artwork and tape this on with black duck tape.

Plug in and enjoy! Don't leave unattended and always turn off if leaving!

By Creativeman from Chatsworth, CA

*Editor's Note: LED Christmas lights will last longer and be less of a fire hazard than traditional incandescent lights.

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Craft Project: Quilted Coasters

Quilted coasters from 4 1/4 inch fabric scraps.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

• 5 4 1/2 inch scraps of material

Instructions:

Cut five 4 1/2 inch scraps of material. (Three of one color and two of a contrasting color)

Right side up lay one square.

Fold the four remaining squares on half.

Pin two down with the fold to the center. (These pieces will meet at the center of the square.

The two remaining squares will be woven in with all four "squares" meeting in the center.

Sew around the edge and turn inside out.

Your glass stem will fit inside the center opening.

When you see your results, you will sigh. They are cute, but I'm not sure how good your guests will be at using a coaster! Cute or not.

By Tedebear from San Jose CA

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Putting Tights on a Doll

When trying to get tights on rubbery doll legs, first sprinkle a bit of power on legs and the tights will slide right on. There is no need to roll the tights, as women usually do when putting hose on. Just start with the foot of doll sliding into the top of tights and the power slides them on. So much easier than pulling and twisting.

By Judy from Memphis, TN

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Children's Play Dough

This is lots of fun for kids to make and play with! My kids used to love it!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp. alum
• 2 cups boiling water

Directions:

Combine ingredients. Knead well. Add desired food coloring. Store in tight container. Lots of fun for active hands!

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Fall Decorated Pumpkins With Mod Podge

My daughter and I have recently discovered Mod podge semi-gloss (thanks to Martha S.). We used it on all assorted size pumpkins, and used glitter or crepe paper. Tonight we're going to use fall leaves from our yard.

You apply mod podge all over the pumpkin, then apply whatever you're using then go over it again with the mod podge. Not too thick or it will look like school glue when it dries in cracks.

We used darker colors, like burnt orange, brown, even a darker pink. Any color you think for fall, adding bows to the stems, I double mine so they look fuller. They should last though Thanksgiving. It's a great decorating idea. We are also going pumpkin shopping now that they're on clearance. Use your imagination.

Source: Martha S.

By "A" from Wheeling, WV

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Buy Pre-Drilled Glass Blocks

Forget the drilling go to Michaels with a 40% coupon and get the blocks for $4. And they come with holes already. You can even use them as a bank.

By Barb from Ohio

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Make Gift Tags Out of Junk Mail

Make gift tags out of junk mail! What a good way to save $ and have an afternoon of fun with the kids. First save some colorful junk mail mailings and envelopes with plastic windows on the back. You will need quite a bit of envelopes (double the amount of gift tags you want to make), glue stick, scissors, paper punch/glitter, some pretty paper, sayings etc,markers or other paint you can really make this your own unique craft.

1. Take the backs off the envelopes and stack to one side, fronts to the other (you can use fronts to write names or messages on for step 4 below)

2. Take 2 backs and put back to back, making sure the windows line up with each other and glue paper together around windows on three sides -leave open at top.

3. Cut out glued windows leaving 1/4 inch border

4. Put small strip of paper with message, name, etc. inside the see through gift tag. I like using fortune cookie paper saved form frequent trips to the Chinese restaurant :)

5. Put confetti (made out of colorful junk mailing with paper punch) or glitter inside.

6. Seal top

Optional: I like putting a message inside (#4 above) and writing the name with permanent marker on the outside.

Here you have it: a gift tag made entirely out of junk mail!

By Caeridwen

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Reusing Leftovers From Sticker Sheets

I like reusing the papers that are leftover from stickers to make patterns. Rather than tracing around the shape I wish to make my pattern, I lay a piece of paper over the top of it. With the long side of a crayon, I rub over the top of the lines of the sheet below and get the impression of that shape. I then cut it out and file it with other patterns for use in crafts or sewing later.

Actual stickers could be traced around for the same effect and cut out but this way is quick and easy and leaves no guess work without a tracing box! Even simple shapes can be traced when you see a size that appeals to you and indexed in a card file or other.

I have sometimes used the leftover sticker paper that remains around the edge or borders the sticker I have removed to cut new shapes from. Sometimes the 2 sticker papers are not too thick to use a hole punch but watch out, they sometime will slide off inside the punch and become stuck. Use tweezers to remove the paper.

By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO

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Pattern for Hat With Earflaps

I am looking for a free pattern or tutorial on how to make a bomber hat or winter hat with ear flaps. I want something that will cover the neck and attach under the chin with velcro.

I want to make these for my daughter and grandkids for Xmas. I have searched the net, but only found one however the instructions were a bit confusing. I can't figure out how to attach the ear flaps to the cap.

Maybe someone out there in cyber space can help me or maybe make me a pattern. I hope to hear from someone soon and thanks in advance.
Marian

By Marian from Danville, VA

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Year Round Wreath Ideas

I was looking for any advice on making a year round wreath. Any suggestions would be great. I have a wood wreath and a hot glue gun, but not ideas. Thanks.

Crystal

By CRYSTAL from Zebulon, NC

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Frosting Glass Blocks

When putting decals on glass blocks, do you frost first or place decals first? How many coats of frost do you spray on? I wish to made a few for Christmas presents.

By Lisa

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Can I Sew Leather with Singer Model 99-31?

I have an old Singer portable Model #99 (99-31 on manual). Can I retrofit this machine or utilize it as is for the sewing of leather?

By Gary from Austin, TX

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Using Decals on Lighted Glass Blocks

I was wondering about the glass blocks. Do you put the decal on first, then frost the glass? What would you seal it with to protect the decal from coming off?

By Lisa from London, Ontario, Canada

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Making a Toilet Tank Cover

I need advice on how to sew a toilet tank cover. Not the top, but the large piece that holds the water. I have made a pattern for the seat cover and tank cover, but not quite sure about the actual tank. Thanks in advance.

By Beverly from Phoenix, AZ

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Large Yard Art Star

I am looking for instructions to make a large outside star.

By Donita

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Buying Foam Pumpkins

Where can I buy foam pumpkins? What types are best for carving? Sizes and tips appreciated.
Have a great holiday season.

By MoBear09 from Collegeville, PA

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Popsicle Christmas Tree Ornaments

I am looking for Popsicle Christmas tree ornament instructions.

By Nancy from Defiance, MO

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Craft: Horseshoe Cross

Does anyone have directions to the beaded cross or horseshoe cross? Anyone know where to get the nails for horseshoe cross?

By Ja from Dallas, TX

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Fall Flower Arrangement Ideas

I would like instructions for a fall flower arrangement, either with fresh or fake flowers. Does anyone have one they would like to submit?

By Antonette from Whittier, CA

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Make a Vanity Tray From a Picture Frame

I saw some place on the internet a craft using old picture frames, dollies, and lace. This made the nicest vanity tray. Can any one tell me more or where I can look?

By Joyce from Pittsburgh, PA

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Crafty Uses for Game Pieces

I have a few games that have missing game pieces or we just don't play anymore. I would like to take the game pieces and make something out of them, but I am not sure what I can make out of them. Does anyone have any ideas?

By Christy from Booneville, MS

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Craft Ideas Using Marbles

My kids have moved out of the house and have left many items behind. One of the things I seem to have too much of is marbles. I have no idea what I could use them for, any ideas would be great.

By Christy from Booneville, MS

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Unusual Clock Designs Using Household Items

I am wanting to make some clocks out of unusual items such as a coffee cup, plate, old CD and such. Does anyone have any ideas on what other unusual items I could use to make these clocks?

By Christy from Booneville, MS

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Granny Square Air Freshener Cover

I am looking for a crochet pattern for a granny square air freshener cover.

By Dorothy from FL

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Crochet Coat Hangers

I a looking for the pattern for crocheted hangers.

By Ann from Loup City, NE

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Metallic Crochet Thread and Other Fancy Supplies

I am crocheting a snowflake afghan and have been using Nomis gold metallic thread (it's polyester and nylon, along with my regular white yarn) that I had from a project I did years ago. I have run out and and can't seem to find anything similar anywhere.

This "thread" is much like Christmas tree icicles material, but comes in spools. If anybody can point me to the right direction, I'd be eternally grateful.

By Bonnie from Coral Springs, FL

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Adjusting the Tension on a Serger Sewing Machine

After many tries I cannot adjust the tension dials on my serger (new). On the underside, the loops are too big, any help?

By Deb2009 from Flowood, MS

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Build Your Own Sofa

How can I make a sofa?

By Lorton M. from NY

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Using a Knitting Machine

How do you use a knitting machine? Where can I purchase one?

By Rachelle from Denver, CO

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Using Doilies and Dresser Scarves in Craft Projects

I collect crochet doilies and embroidered dresser scarves. I am looking for websites and suggestions for recycling/reusing them in craft projects. Thanks.

By Libby from TX

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