ThriftyFun Crafts - August 26, 2009

Vol. 4, Num. 34, August 26, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have any Halloween Crafts to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages or to the Crafts for Fun and Money program. You can find more information about the the Crafts for Fun and Money program here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team Send to a Friend! Submit Craft Tips (You could win $25) Submit Photos of Your Crafts (You could win $25) Submit a Craft Request New! Crafting for Fun and Money! Link to ThriftyFun.com 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: Making EZ Stretchable Hair Combs Craft Project: Eyeglass Cozy Case Craft: Bathroom Box Craft: Plastic Milk Jug Snoopy Craft Project: Shrinky Dink Charm Bracelet Craft: Decorative Plaque From Clay Saucer Craft: Jewelry From Recycled Giftcards Craft: Helpful Hannah Craft Project: Can Lid Chimes Making A Pattern For A Wheelchair Bag Craft Project: Child's Granny Square Purse Craft Project: Seashell Beach Collage Tips: Mix Different Types of Yarn Add Jump Rings to Handmade Jewelry Use Sharpies Instead Of Marking Pens For Crafts Requests: Crochet Patterns Using Fabric or Plastic Bags Uses For Formula Canisters Pine Tree Stump Coffee Table Pattern for Packers Doilies and Coasters Rhinestone Studded Votive Patterns Paper Bead Roller Tool (Bead Crafter) Making a Rolled Paper Bowl Sidewalks of New York Quilt Pattern Threading a Handy Stitch Machine Craft Ideas For Used T-shirts Today's Sponsor: 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 Photos and Projects: Making EZ Stretchable Hair Combs I came up with an idea and plan to make a bunch of homemade EZ Combs for my hair. I love the EZ Combs, but hate the price. Plus, I want more colors. I'm going to use the plastic hair combs that are for holding your hair back. For the stretchy, I'm going to use elastic thread. And to attach it to the comb I'm going to use beads just a little bit larger and super glue them on the "outside" side of the comb. The side that won't be against the head. Other than that I'm going to take one of the EZ Combs I have and follow the pattern of threading it. I'm also thinking of making some with narrow "scrunchies". I'll simply thread the elastic thread through a narrow fabric or crocheted tube that's about 3 times the length. I think that would be cute, and definitely different! By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37640343.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft Project: Eyeglass Cozy Case A quick and very easy to make eyeglasses/sunglasses holder. Make several: one for the car, one to keep by your favorite chair and one for your hobby room! These also make cute gifts for Christmas, birthdays or any special occasion! View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41955178.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Craft: Bathroom Box This is a plastic canvas project. It is derived from a pattern for a tissue box cover, and can be adjusted to go with any tissue box cover pattern you want to use. These are the changes I am making to the pattern. For the top piece, instead of cutting the center out to allow for the tissue to come through, I'm leaving it whole. I will fill it in with stitching to match the pattern. Another change to this piece is that instead of stitching the top piece to the sides all the way around, I will only attach it on one side, thereby creating a "hinge". I will attach a small piece of Velcro with a decoration glued to it to match the pattern (in this case a plastic canvas flower). This will keep the lid closed but easily accessible when needed. If you'd prefer, you can make the top piece a little larger than the pattern calls for, and make side pieces to create a regular box lid. Also I cut a piece for a bottom of the box. Needless to say no stitching necessary on this piece other than to attach it to the box. The reason for these changes is that instead of keeping a box of tissues in there, I plan on keeping my "unmentionable" items (in my case Kotex) in it. They will be readily available when I need them, but my family and guests won't be having to see them. I plan to make a matching small "cup" to hold my disposable razors also. By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64089596.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft: Plastic Milk Jug Snoopy This snoopy is made from two plastic milk containers. I used black felt for the floppy ears, nose (the cap is left on one of the milk jugs), eyes, and buttons on the body. I cut a hole in the side of one of the milk containers for the head to fit over the body. I hot glue the two containers together and put a ribbon around the neck. To keep the body from blowing away, I had put water into it. I use them in my garden, in front of my outside door and/or inside. Lots of compliments. By Robin from Greenfield, WI Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93043899.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft Project: Shrinky Dink Charm Bracelet Using Shrinky Dinks, make a cute charm bracelet for little girls. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62946114.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Craft: Decorative Plaque From Clay Saucer I spray painted the bottom of the clay pot saucer white and added a body tattoo butterfly. I wrote "Welcome Friends" with a gold paint pen and sprayed a top coat of silicone. You can also make a chain of them, using three saucers, Hot glue picture eye hooks to the back and string on heavy rope. Start from bottom plate because you have to double loop rope or tie knots so plates don't slip down. By Moonseekerjade from Onset, MA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25586745.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft: Jewelry From Recycled Giftcards Make fun jewelry with used gift cards rather than throw them away! Cut them into desired pieces, drill holes using an electric drill and drill bit, then connect pieces with jump rings. Finish by connecting desired clasps to each end of bracelet or necklace with jump rings. If you have any rough edges, use a dremel or sand paper to smooth edges. By Dominique from Kalamazoo, MI Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79559209.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft: Helpful Hannah You'll be a very welcomed guest if you take this little hostess gift when you're invited over to a friend's house for dinner. Unlike some useless little gadgets, this simple craft not only shows that you cared enough to take the time to make the gift, but it's also something every kitchen needs. For you fellow frugalists, it';s also a very inexpensive gift, appropriate for many gift-giving occasions. Materials A roll of paper towels One dish towel (hand towel size) One dish cloth (washcloth size) Piece of ribbon approx. 2/3 yard long One copper coil pot scrubber Hot glue gun or long straight pins. Magic markers and powder blush. Medium size button or decorative costume jewelry brooch. Piece of paper to write the little poem on (use the computer if you have one) Instructions Fold the dishcloth lengthwise into thirds. Wrap around the roll of paper towels to form the skirt. Secure with either hot glue or straight pins. (If you intend for it to be used, the pins make it much easier to take it apart.) (This is the skirt.) Attach the pot scrubber onto the top of the paper towel roll toward the front. (This is the "hair.") Fold the smaller cloth into a triangle and put it across the top of the pot scrubber and the paper towel roll to form a kerchief. Fasten it at the front with glue or a pin. Attach a button or a brooch at the front where the points of the kerchief meet. With a black magic marker, draw on the eyes and lashes. Use the red marker to draw on the mouth. Apply a little powder blush with a brush to give Hannah her rosy cheeks. Type or print the cute little poem that goes with the character and attach it to the ribbon which serves as a sash on the "skirt.". This little lady has come your way To help you have a better day She'll wash your dishes and dry them too And scrub the pots and pans just for you She'll clean your windows with skills And wipe up every little spill. Simple, inexpensive, useful, and thoughtful, what a great gift idea! By hatestowaste from Elon, NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15312023.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft Project: Can Lid Chimes Another use for those smooth can lids from the Pampered Chef Can Opener or from frozen juice concentrate. You can paint on a design of your own or use stamps. Just make sure the stamps are small enough to fit in the center of the lid where there are no ridges. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18743693.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Making A Pattern For A Wheelchair Bag This is not exactly a pattern but instead a way of adjusting a different pattern in order to make a Wheelchair bag. I have 2 versions here. Version #1: First off, find a pattern for a scarf that you like. Make sure it's either the width that you want the bag to be, or is easily adjusted width-wise. Then, just make the scarf. But don't make it the length that the pattern will call for. Measure how long you want the bag to be and double it. If it was me, I'd add 5-6 inches so that I could make a fold-over flap closure for it. Once you get it made, then make 2 hangers for it: Row 1: Ch 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (3 sc) Row 2-22: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. Row 23: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 1 (buttonhole), sk next st, sc in last st, turn. Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch across, turn. Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. Rnd 26: Working around outer edge, in ends of rows, ch 1, evenly space sl st around. Join with sl st in beg sl st. Fasten off. Sew end of hangers (end without buttonhole), evenly spaced across one side of top edge of bag. Sew buttons to remaining side opposite buttonholes. Version #2: This one is made from granny squares. You can make the squares any size you want and/or make as many squares as you want. Just be sure to make double for the front and back of the bag. The following is one of the patterns from a book I have. I'm not including the sizes because you can make them as big as you want. I'm sorry I can't include a picture but my scanner is not working. Granny Square Bag: Step 1: Make 8 granny squares. Step 2: Sew the granny squares together making 2 strips of 4 squares each. Edging: (I'm going to call the color for this B. You can of course use contrasting or matching color) First Side: Row 1: Working down one long edge of one 4-square strip, join B with sc in corner ch sp, sc in each st across with hdc in each seam, ending with 3 sc in corner ch sp, turn. Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each st across. Fasten off. Second side: Rep row 1 of First Side only. Rep First Side and Second Side Edgings on long edges of remaining 4-square strip. Hangers (Make 3): Row 1: Ch 4. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (3 sc) Row 2-22: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn. Row 23: Ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 1 (buttonhole), sk next st, sc in last st, turn. Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each st and in each ch across, turn. Row 25: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. Rnd 26: Working around outer edge, in ends of rows, ch 1, evenly space sl st around. Join with sl st in beg sl st. Fasten off. Sew end of hangers (end without buttonhole), evenly spaced across one side of top edge of bag. Sew buttons to remaining side opposite buttonholes. Assembly: Sew Second Side Edgings on 4-square strips together. Fold piece in half with WS together, working through both thicknesses, join B with sc in first st, sc in each st across to fold. Fasten off. Beg at fold, join B with sc in first st, sc in each st across to top edge, ch 1, working around top opening, evenly sp sc around working hdc in each seam, join with sc in beg sc on top opening. Fasten off. Source: Annie's Attic Wheelchair Afghans and Bags By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59966432.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Craft Project: Child's Granny Square Purse Gauge: one motif = 3 1/2 inch square. The finished size of the bag is approximately 9x9 inches. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48087263.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Craft Project: Seashell Beach Collage We had a lot of left over little seashells we gathered at the beach. This craft uses up some of those shells for a cute keepsake for all of those wonderful beach memories! View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69964383.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Tips: Mix Different Types of Yarn In a knitting blog, I read about acrylic yarn being a low-cost option. Well, it is - and to make it more interesting in small projects you can MIX it with other yarns, even wool ones. I have been using very fine yarn in combination with worsted acrylic in my scarves, and adding novelty yarns as accents. The color combination of the yarns on a fairly big (15) knitting needle, is tweedy and very interesting. You can also use up all sorts of odds and ends of yarn. Everyone is getting scarves from me this Xmas! By Pamphyila Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28701057.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Add Jump Rings to Handmade Jewelry When making a necklace or bracelet as a gift (or for yourself!), you can achieve a professional effect and practical function by adding 8-10 (or however many you want) jump rings on the end of one side of the strand opposite the clasp. This allows the wearer to adjust the length of the necklace or bracelet, especially nice for aligning a necklace to different necklines. Then, for a really nice, finished look, place something decorative at the end of the jump rings. In my photo, I've used jewelry wire to create a crystal and silver bead ornament for the end of my jump rings on a red crystal necklace. Source: My own idea, but I was inspired by various jewelry catalogs including Sunset. By Countessj from Anchorage, AK Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54560658.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Use Sharpies Instead Of Marking Pens For Crafts Try using sharpies instead of markers, they don't rub off or smudge like markers do. (I have tried markers on plastic for another craft project). Sharpies have a lot of colors. They come in two types of tips, one is thin and the other is thick (the original one that they had the first time I used them for that craft). By Nyssa from Norristown, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81351007.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Contests: 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! New Requests: Crochet Patterns Using Fabric or Plastic Bags I am looking for crochet craft patterns using plastic bags. By padufresne from Sault Saint Marie, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf228912.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Uses For Formula Canisters My daughter has kept all the large baby formula cans. Any ideas what she can use them for, or do with them? By s e chedzey Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf208933.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Pine Tree Stump Coffee Table We found a tree stump and we're turning it into a coffee table with a glass top. We're planning to use Danish Oil. We're not sure what type of wood it is, but I think it might be pine. Is Danish Oil okay? By Gracie and Johnny from Toronto Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50073177.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Pattern for Packers Doilies and Coasters How can I get the patterns for the Green Bay Packers doily and coasters? Would like to make them for Christmas. By koetters from Waukesha, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18902980.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Rhinestone Studded Votive Patterns I purchased some rhinestones that are flat on one side and rounded on the other (all colors) and want to use them to decorate votive cups. Does anyone have any ideas for a pattern? Or where I can find patterns? They are 2.5 inches in size. Thanks a bunch. Dot By updegraff from Middleburg, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33143362.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Paper Bead Roller Tool (Bead Crafter) I am trying to locate a craft tool called The Bead Crafter. It is used to roll paper beads. The company who manufactured the tool is no longer in business. I would be interested in purchasing one or if anyone knows where I can locate one, please let me know. Thanks. P. Frederick By hellopf from McMinnville, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99465483.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Making a Rolled Paper Bowl I have seen a bowl made with rolled up paper tubes then I think varnished or painted? Anyone know how to do this? By isobel44art from Scotland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35232142.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Sidewalks of New York Quilt Pattern I am looking for a quilt pattern called Sidewalks of New York. It is like a Trip Around the World. Thank you. By Speranza94 from Spring Hope, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46131921.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Threading a Handy Stitch Machine How do I thread a Handy Stitch hand held sewing machine, as seen on TV? By mylilmags from Phoenix, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92236580.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Craft Ideas For Used T-shirts I'm looking for some information. I recently learned to crochet and am practicing making rag rugs (all shapes) and tote bags with recycled t-shirts that I cut up into strips. At first, my family was really excited about my rugs and I made lots. They gave me all their discarded t-shirts and stuff. I now have mountains of old t-shirts which aren't good to give away, but perfect to recycle into other things. The problem is, now my family is begging me not to make them any more rugs, place mats and bags because they have so many. I still have literally a mountain of old stuff which I would love to use, but I have no idea for what else to make with them. Does anyone have any ideas please? I really hate to throw them away, but they are taking up so much storage space for nothing, at the moment. Any thoughts, please? By cett from Malta, Europe Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf819801.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here