ThriftyFun Crafts - January 16, 2008

Do you have any Valentine's Day Crafts to share with ThriftyFun readers? Please submit them on the contest page or the Crafts for Fun and Money page!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Craft: Dish Dollies
• Craft: Barnyard Animals
• Denim And Pink Recycled Quilt
• Tea Bag Wallet
• Craft: How to Make a Diaper Cake
• Bottle Cap Sun
• Craft: Boho Hat Form
• Tiny Happy Handbag

Tips:

• Trace Patterns Off Computer Screen
• Free Knit And Crochet Patterns
• Creative Crafting with Cookie Cutters
• Sizing Charts For Making Clothing
• Washable Cloth Nappies
• Face Paint Using Food Coloring

Requests:

• Patterns and Instruction for Rectangular Loom
• Fusible Fleece Vs. Fusible Interfacing
• Putting a Stuffed Animal into a Balloon
• Shoe Sizes in Inches
• Using a Crayon Drawing as an Iron On Transfer
• Recycling Birthday and Greeting Cards
• Attaching a Corsage to Wristlet
• Crafts Using Greeting Cards
• Crafts Using Plastic Leis
• Cutting Fabric Strips
• Making Needlepoint Heirlooms
• Making a Cross from Plastic Canvas
• Tracing Pictures onto Silk to Paint
• Pom-Pom Crochet Cap Pattern
• Baby Shower Diaper Cake Instructions
• Yoga Bag Pattern
• Quilting With Foil Snack Bags
• Decorating a Cloudy Mirror
• Crayon Costume Pattern
• Making Crafts for Money
• Crafts Made With Yarn Cones

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: Dish Dollies

Do the dishes with a smile! Make one of these unique "dish dollies" to put next to your kitchen sink. This is a great way to turn odd bits of fabric, trim, beads and other craft supplies into a useful and unique hostess or bridal shower gift, too. Best of all, the dish dollies are refillable, so your creativity can be enjoyed for months to come.

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Craft: Barnyard Animals

Kids are fascinated with barnyard animals. Now they can make their own set of cute little critters with just a few simple materials.

Barnyard Feet

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Denim And Pink Recycled Quilt

Here's another denim craft to make. I love to recycle. Fun to recreate lovely things. I made this out of old jeans and feed bags. The one side the seams do not show, the other side they do and are cut with a scissors and washed in order to make it fringe more. The one solid pink square on the side that has all printed blocks and denim was a mistake. After I made the whole thing and laid it out, I noticed the mistake. I took it all apart in that row and put a pink print square there to make it correct. Call me a perfectionist. I don't care. It had to be fixed. LOL!

By Sewing Granny from Millbury, OH

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Tea Bag Wallet

Holds 2 tea bags per pocket or 1 tea bag + sugar packet. Yet small enough to fit into your purse.

About a year ago tea bag wallets were the big craze on eBay. I studied the photos on eBay and being the frugal person that I am wanted to find a free sewing pattern. So I searched the internet and couldn't find a sewing pattern and ended up making my own pattern out of interfacing and used a Sharpie Permanent Marker to mark the stitching lines.

These are so easy to make. The wallet has 4 pockets and will hold a total of 8 tea bags. Open it measures about 7 1/2 long by 6 1/2 wide and closed about 3 1/2 inches all the way around.

The sewing pattern measures 8 inches wide by 14 inches long and then I cut an extra piece for making the loop out of interfacing. You can make the loop as long or as short as you want it, just so it's long enough to loop around the button that is sewn on the front when finished. I used one piece of printed fabric for the outside and one piece of muslin for the lining. Take the printed fabric and the muslin, place right sides together and stitch a 1/4 inch seam on all 3 sides, making sure to square off corners. Leave bottom open for turning. Then turn fabric right side out and press seams with a hot iron. Turn up bottom edge and stitch seam closed.

Now you have the printed fabric on the top and muslin on the bottom. With muslin side facing you, fold up 3 1/4 inch on each side to make pockets. Place straight pins along the outer edge, pin fabric making sure edges are even. Stitch 1/4 inch all around tea bag wallet, making sure that you stitch in loop for button placement. Now fold fabric in half to find the center, and stitch a straight seam making 4 pockets. Close wallet and decide on button placement, open a pocket and hand sew on button, making sure to not stitch the pocket closed.

I also use my wallet to carry a tube of lip balm and a pack of gum in my purse.

By MCW from NY

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Craft: How to Make a Diaper Cake

Diaper Cakes are all the rage as a baby shower gift. Here are instruction on how to make one for half the cost of buying one.

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Bottle Cap Sun

Bless your garden with the warmth and good cheer of a benevolent sun.

I used pounded bottle caps, copper nails, and remnants of copper flashing I'd found in the garage.

In time, the copper will oxidize and the bottle caps will rust. My plaque will then be bathed in a patina reminiscent of turquoise, terra cotta, and red clay, imparting a festive feeling to my garden.

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Craft: Boho Hat Form

Bring your hat or hairpiece out of the closet! This one of a kind hat form is a unique way to use up fabric and trim and is pretty enough to display on a bureau or foyer table.

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Tiny Happy Handbag

This is a handbag I made from a tutorial I found online called tiny happy. It an easy to make project. I modified it somewhat as the body was a bit too wide so I cut off an inch on each side. This one was made from an old comforter I had that I wasn't using. It's sort of an Indian print material. I cut it out then added some extra quilting seams to make it more sturdy. I found the trim in my stash of embellishments and added it to the front and back. The embellishment came from an old shirt I bought at the thrift store but didn't like the shirt so I cut off the trim. The lining is a burgundy color that matches the colors in the bag. I added a pocket on the inside of the bag also.

I hope you enjoy making this bag as much as I did. I plan to make many more. It was sew-easy!

Happy Crafting!

By Marian from Danville, VA

Editor's Note: Here is the link to the tiny happy tutorial:

• Shoulder Bag Tutorial

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Trace Patterns Off Computer Screen

Don't despair if you don't have a printer or ink to print patterns off the net. Tape a sheet of paper to the top of your screen, and trace the pattern with a pencil. I have done this many, many times, and am well pleased with the results.

By Melody Y. from Sedalia, MO

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Free Knit And Crochet Patterns

Look towards the bottom of the page.

• http://www.allcrafts.net/crochetknit.htm

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Creative Crafting with Cookie Cutters

If you're crazy for cookie cutters, you probably have a drawerful of all shapes and sizes just begging to be put to use. Here are some ways to have fun with your stash - without rolling out the dough In the kitchen:

• Cut cheese for appetizers
• Make pancakes from animal-shaped cutters
• Cut out star shaped sandwiches for your "star" pupil to carry in lunchbox
• Liven up a plain bakery cake or box-mix cake by pressing cookie cutter shapes into sides. Dust with confectioners sugar, if desired.
• Need a fast and fancy dessert? Cut store-bought pound cake into shapes with cutters, place on a pretty plate and top with whipped cream and berries.
• Encourage kids to eat more fruit. Cut watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew into shapes for after-school snacking.

• Tie stars, bells and other holiday shapes with ribbon and hang on Christmas tree.

• Attach to a homemade kitchen gift (such as a box of fudge, your own special granola or a potpourri jar) for a special touch.

• Let kids cut out shapes for Fourth of July, Easter, or Thanksgiving using cardboard, construction paper, and glitter. Punch hole in top, tie a ribbon or piece of twine and hang over a doorway for a mobile.

• Use as picture frames. Go through that old box or drawer of photos that didn't make it into the scrapbook and cut the shapes to fit inside the frames, using a little craft glue to keep them in place.

• Trace cookie cutters onto cardstock for unique greeting cards.

• Use up fabric scraps from sewing projects. Trace and cut out designs, sew together and fill with beans for beanbags or use as homemade patches for blankets, jeans or jackets.

By Claire Bush from Phoenix, AZ

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Sizing Charts For Making Clothing

These sizing charts have been SOOO much help for me when I crochet, knit and sew for others:

CHILDREN'S size chart:

• http://www.clearwaterknits.com/info/children.html

• http://www.clearwaterknits.com/info/men.html

• http://www.clearwaterknits.com/info/misses.html

• http://www.clearwaterknits.com/info/misses2.html

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Washable Cloth Nappies

I made all my daughters nappies from old t shirts, towels or off cuts of flannel fabric. They all close with Velcro. As she's is now potty trained, I'm making training pants from fleece fabric. I'm sorry I have no pictures to post. I just drew out the pattern and I'm now selling them to friends and by word of mouth. As a single parent of 2, this was my best money saving thing I have done

By Ruth from UK

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Face Paint Using Food Coloring

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. water
• 1/2 tsp. cold cream
• 1- 2 drops food coloring

Directions

You can also use food coloring gels, food coloring from Wilton or any company that puts out food color gel, they are more concentrated than the liquids from grocery stores. I also add white food color, before adding the coloring, this makes a great base for all your colors. You can also keep these colors in an artist's palette for later use. These colors will stain the skin for about 24 hours, but it seems that some kids like to keep their fun faces for a little while. This recipe might stain the clothes also, so be sure to wear dark clothing or something that you don't care about getting dirty. These paints or food color paints will dry a little, but water will bring them back. I have had great results and a lot of fun, and I have made a lot of different colors without spending a lot of money. Enjoy!

Source: This recipe came from http://www.cyber-kitchen.com, I added the white Food color to make it easy to use a paint brush with a little water, just like an artist!

By Mary from Atascadero, CA

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Patterns and Instruction for Rectangular Loom

I am looking for patterns and instructions for a rectangular loom.

Carol

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Fusible Fleece Vs. Fusible Interfacing

What is the difference between fusible fleece and fusible interfacing?

Pam from Mt. Morris, MI

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Putting a Stuffed Animal into a Balloon

I love making things homemade, I think they are more cherishable. I need help on how to stuff a balloon with a stuffed animal or toy truck. I have had a hard time finding a tool,booklet etc. I guess they just don't do them anymore. Could someone please help, I am running out of time for this baby shower.

Yolanda from Tx

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Shoe Sizes in Inches

Does anyone have any idea what shoe sizes would be in inches. I crochet slippers and usually just guess at sizes and have often wondered what sizes would be in inches. Thanks for the help.

Grace from Washington, PA

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Using a Crayon Drawing as an Iron On Transfer

Is there any way to use a picture colored with crayons as an iron on transfer for say an apron or t-shirt

Belinda from Wingo, KY

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Recycling Birthday and Greeting Cards

Any suggestions for recycling old birthday and greeting cards?

monnat96 from Pingree Grove, IL

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Attaching a Corsage to Wristlet

Can someone please tell me how to put the corsage on the wristlet?

Angela from Home

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Crafts Using Greeting Cards

Any suggestions for recycling old birthday and greeting cards?

monnat96 from Pingree Grove, IL

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Crafts Using Plastic Leis

I have a grocery bag full of those cheap plastic leis; not the kind that look like flowers, but the ones that are just scrunched plastic. I hate to pitch them. Does anyone have any craft ideas that could make use of them?

Corene from Neenah, WI

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Cutting Fabric Strips

I love to make crocheted rugs with fabric strips. I am looking for something that I can cut fabric strips with. Cutting with scissors is hurting my hand. I have to use a big industrial size Gemsey, but it lays in my closet. It is more for cutting big stuff. I just do a little personal rug making. Thanks.

Regi from Texas

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Making Needlepoint Heirlooms

I love making large needlepoint pieces such as wall hangings etc. and I would like to be making things I can leave to my children as heirlooms. I know the American market will differ from the English to some extent but can anyone give me any advice as to the type of needlepoint that is most likely to be of any value in the future. Is it considered a disadvantage for the piece to be made from a commercial pattern or should I be concentrating more on my own designs? Thank you so much for any advice you can give.

Lyn from Devon, England

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Making a Cross from Plastic Canvas

I picked up this plastic canvas cross at a yard sale or thrift store and I can't find a pattern anywhere on how to make it. Does anyone have a pattern for this or know where I can get one?

Vicki from Concordia, MO

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Tracing Pictures onto Silk to Paint

Can anyone help me to find pictures that I can use to trace onto silk so that I can paint them? Any pictures that are suitable to copy would be great. I also paint in acrylics so they would be useful for that too. Flowers are my special interest.

Susan from Durban, South Africa

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Pom-Pom Crochet Cap Pattern

I used to have a crochet cap (toboggan) pattern that was worked in the back loop the length of the cap and gathered at the top with a pom-pom. Has anyone got something similar, I cant find mine? Thanks alot if you have a free pattern crochet pattern that I can copy.

jean220 from NC

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Baby Shower Diaper Cake Instructions

Does anyone have a pattern for the baby shower diaper cake? Sandy from Stewartstown, PA

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Yoga Bag Pattern

Does anyone know where I can find a pattern for a yoga bag to sew?

Sandy from Stewartstown, PA

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Quilting With Foil Snack Bags

My 19 year old son came up with this while he and a friend watched me crochet rounds from the foil type snack bags I had cut into "metallic yarn" and I kidded that I was making him a car cover!

He said "Why don't you just cut the bags open and tape them together? (as you would patchwork quilt) I think that makes a lot more economical sense than trying to crochet them and all that cutting of the strips is time consuming!"

I thought on that and decided that glass tape is expensive (fiberglass that is nicknamed glass tape) so maybe a better deal would be shipping tape. It will hold out in the wet weather I believe.

Any idea?

Source: My 19 y/o Marine son Bradley

By Veronica

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Decorating a Cloudy Mirror

I would like some help decorating an old cloudy mirror. I still want to see myself in it. I was thinking about a paint design. Any ideas?

granniegityergun from Rochester, NY

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Crayon Costume Pattern

Where can I get the pattern for the Crayola Costumes shown on your site. We really want to make a team effort for a party we have coming up and these costumes look fantastic and exactly what we're looking for.

Louise from United Kingdom

Editor's Note: I think Louise is referring to these costumes: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90077665.tip.html

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Making Crafts for Money

I am looking to stay home with my new baby and need about $200 more a month than my husband makes. I've tried at home businesses and really want no part of that. What I am looking for is a legitimate craft business where I can make something and send it in to the company. A few of my friends tried it but the companies they found weren't legit. Does anyone know of a real paying company? Thanks in advance!

New Mama

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Crafts Made With Yarn Cones

I'm a trash to treasure person. I was given some card board cones, which used to have cotton yarn. They're approximately 8" high. I can see them done as "angels". Any ideas?

Keeper from NC

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