ThriftyFun Crafts - August 5, 2009

We have some very creative craft projects for reusing or recycling items this week. Please take a look at the requests and offer any advice you might have.

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Craft Project: Stenciled Backpacks
• Craft: Foam Bead Bracelet
• Plastic Canvas Box
• Craft Project: Stenciled Borders
• Craft: Venetian Leaf Towel Topper
• Craft Project: Shrinky Dinks From Recycled Containers

Tips:

• Make Your Own Toddler Crayons
• Use Egg Cartons For Craft Organization
• Murphy Oil Soap for Cleaning Paint Brushes

Requests:

• Crocheted Pot Scrubber
• Shredded Paper Craft Ideas
• Shaping Crocheted Doilies
• Making Faux Stained Glass Window
• Craft Projects Made from Seeds
• Making Balloon Animals and Other Shapes
• Looking for Crochet Doggy Dress Pattern
• Buying Nylotex
• Repairing Painted Hair on a Doll
• Etching a Mirror
• Making a Cat Tree
• Making Candles With Drizzled Colors Down Sides
• Credit Card Holder Pattern
• Cutting CD Jewel Cases

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.

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Craft Project: Stenciled Backpacks

Turn your otherwise boring solid color backpack into a work of art using stencils to add your own touch and design to it. This was my boring rolling back pack that I love to use for traveling but was a darker color of solid blue and not very feminine looking at all. So I used stencils to create new look to it.

I used store bought stencils for the dragonflies and butterflies and made my own for my name just printing a pretty font for my art program then just cut out the lettering to create a perfect font stencil. Great project to revamp old backpacks or any kind of luggage

Approximate Time: 30 minutes or less

Supplies:

• stencils
• stencil brush
• tape to hold stencil in place
• acrylic paints
• clear coat spray paint (to seal it and keep it waterproof)
• paper towels

Instructions:

Use a stencil brush to add on your colors in very light amounts applied to your brush tip and even wipe or dab some off on a paper towel then apply the paint to your stencil by going in a circular motion onto the stencil and change colors to each area you want to be different colors. Remove your stencil and let dry well.

You can make your own stencil for names or phrases by printing a font you like from any art program and just make it the size you like. You can find free font sites on the internet and even stencils of lots of things in silhouette form.

After your paints have dried, you can spray your surface you stenciled with clear spray coat paint in a can to keep it free from water exposure.

So create your own look and give those boring back packs a new look!

By Julie from Tenn

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Craft: Foam Bead Bracelet

When my daughters were school age they were into making their own jewelry. One of the neatest projects they came up with was this bracelet made from the sheets of foam. They took a paper punch and punched out circles from the rainbow colors of the foam. They they strung them and added beads and a closure.

This technique could be adapted to the other cool punches out there, not to mention the variety of beads to choose from now! A great idea for kids and adults! Birthday gifts, birthday parties, Vacation Bible School, Camp Fire/Girl Scouts, organizations, etc!

Source: My creative daughters

By squirrley from West Michigan

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Plastic Canvas Box

I haven't made my project yet so can't send a picture. I just got done cutting the pieces out and will start stitching it tomorrow.

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

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Craft Project: Stenciled Borders

I stenciled a border in the living room instead of using a wall paper border.

Approximate Time: 5 hours

Supplies:

• Stencils
• Stippling brushes
• Stippling paints*
• Masking tape
• Patience and steady hand
• step ladder

Instructions:

1. Tape the stencil to the first corner of the wall up against the ceiling.

2. Paint using a stippling brush and tap, tap, tap the colors on, blending each into the other.

3. When done filling in all the places on the stencil, remove and carefully match the design up when moving the stencil onto the next blank section you are doing, so you cannot see where the first stopped and the next begins.

4. Do all the way around until done.

By Little Suzy from Ohio

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Craft: Venetian Leaf Towel Topper

I like the towel toppers that have a concealed crochet chain so you can hang a towel over the chain without having to cut the towel in half and deal with the cut edge. I also like that type of topper because when the towel gets dirty but the topper isn't, you can change the towel, and the topper lasts longer because it is washed less often.

I made my leaves with Red Heart 'Frosty Green Fleck', but the topper can be made all in one color or in fall colors like red and green for Christmas or orange and brown for Thanksgiving.

Materials

• Size G crochet hook
• Worsted weight yarn - green
• Worsted weight yarn - white
• Button, approximately 3/4 inches diameter
• Sewing thread and needle
• Scissors

Leaf Directions (Make 2)

(1) (This is the right side of the leaf) Sc in 2nd ch from hook; sc in next 9 ch, in last ch make sc, ch 3 and sc; working along opposite side of staring chain, sc in next 8 ch. Ch 3, turn.

(2) Sc in next 9 sc, in next sp make sc, ch 3 and sc; sc in next 8 sc. Ch 3, turn.

(3) Working in BACK loops of each sc, sc in next 9 sc, in next sp make sc, ch 3 and sc; sc in next 8 sc. Ch 3, turn.

(4 through 8) Repeat row 3. At end of last row, do not turn, sl st in last sc used. Fasten off. (End of leaf pattern.)

With the wrong side of a leaf facing you, and working through both loops of the stitches, attach white yarn with a sl st in the last sc made on row 8. Ch 14, sl st in the first sc made on row 8. (This is the loop for hanging the towel.) Ch 2, turn.

Next, place the second leaf behind the first, wrong sides together. (The hanging chain will be sandwiched between the leaves.) You will be working the next row through both leaves at the same time, which will join them together.

(1) Working through BOTH loops of each sc, sc in next 8 sc, in next sp make sc, ch 3 and sc; sc in next 8 sc. Ch 3, turn.

(2 through 6) This and all remaining rows are worked through BACK loops of each sc. Sc in next 8 sc, skip next sc, in next sp make sc, ch 3 and sc; sc in next 8 sc. Ch 3, turn.

(7) Sl st in next 6 sc, sc in next 3 sc, in next sp make sc, ch 3 and sc; sc in next 3 sc. Ch 3, turn.

(8 through 12) Sc in next 3 sc, skip next sc, in next sp make sc, ch 3 and sc; sc in next 3 sc. Ch 3, turn.

(13) Sc in next 3 sc, skip next sc, in next sp make sc, ch 5 and sc (The ch 5 is the button hole.); sc in next 3 sc. Ch 3, sl st in last sc used. Fasten off.

Sew a button just above one of the leaves, in the center.

Source: My own design.

By Fortunately

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Craft Project: Shrinky Dinks From Recycled Containers

Use recyclable #6 plastic containers to make your own Shrinky Dinks at home.

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Supplies:

• Plastic containers
• scissors
• colored pencils or markers
• coloring book
• Aluminum foil
• oven mitt
• oven
• nail

Instructions:

1. Be sure the plastic container has a triangle with a 6 in the middle. Otherwise the plastic is too thin and may burn or cause a fire.

2. Cut off a flat piece from the plastic.

3. Using a permanent black marker draw a picture. It may be easier to trace a small one from a coloring book. You can write names too for charms.

4. Color with colored pencils or markers. Have a child do this so they can get involved.

5. Cut the picture out using scissors.

6. Use a nail or sharp object to make a hole if you'll be using it for a charm, a sun catcher or on a mobile.

7. Preheat oven to 350-375 degrees F.

8. Place the plastic pieces on aluminum foil and carefully place in the oven for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

9. The plastic will curl but flatten as it's finished.

10. Cool before handling.

11. It may shrink 75%. You may want to experiment to get the correct size you are looking for.

By Little Suzy from Ohio

Editor's Note: Make sure to supervise younger ones with the oven.

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Make Your Own Toddler Crayons

Use clean, dry glass baby food jars to melt broken crayons. I get my crayons from restaurants that give my daughter crayons with a kid's menu.

Sort crayons by color and peel off any paper. Put the crayons into separate jars in a hot water bath. After the crayons have melted, pour the wax into a mold.

I used IKEA ice cube trays (silicone) in the shape of flowers, but you could just fill each section of an old ice cube tray halfway. Wait about 8 hours (overnight), then remove from mold.

I believe toddlers may have a more difficult time breaking the chunkier shapes.

Source:

• http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2008/12/changing-table-to-crayon-storage.html

By AnnasMom07 from Raleigh, NC

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Use Egg Cartons For Craft Organization

I save egg cartons of both kinds cardboard and Styrofoam. I use the bottom of all sizes in the Styrofoam to use when I do watercolor painting. They can be used for any painting medium and also for crafting. I use them and then toss them out after my day of painting for mixing colors.

You can also either the Styrofoam or cardboard cartons for all sorts of crafting or sewing, for storing beads for Jewelry making, for any kind of small items to keep you organized.

By handbaglady from Manahawkin, NJ

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Murphy Oil Soap for Cleaning Paint Brushes

I use Murphy Oil Soap, to clean my paint brushes. I do decoupage, and the brushes get gluey. So I will soak them overnight in the oil soap, and they are clean again.

By Hope from Wilmington, NC

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Crocheted Pot Scrubber

How do I make pot scrubbers using netting?

By toula

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Shredded Paper Craft Ideas

What projects can be made from office shredded paper?

By guerrero from Raymondville, TX

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Shaping Crocheted Doilies

How do I get the lace of a doily I crocheted to stand up? I am using starch, but what can I use to hold it up until it is dry?

By sassyone19606 from OK

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Making Faux Stained Glass Window

How do I make faux stained glass window?

By mb6197 from PA

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Craft Projects Made from Seeds

What are some projects made from seeds?

By guerrero from Raymondville, TX

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Making Balloon Animals and Other Shapes

How do you make animal balloons or any shapes for that matter?

By guerrero from Raymondville, TX

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Looking for Crochet Doggy Dress Pattern

Has any one received the crochet pattern for the red and white doggy dress that was pictured on the site?

By Elika from Aloha, OR

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Buying Nylotex

I made covered wire hangers years ago using Denier nylon. It is no longer available in my city. I saw a pattern online using Nylotex. Any idea where I could find that? Any help would be appreciated.

Sue

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Repairing Painted Hair on a Doll

We just bought an American Girl Bitty Baby off of eBay. It is in excellent shape, however, there is a few spots on the head where the "hair" or paint has been rubbed off. Does anyone know how I can make it look new again? Thanks for your help.

By spedteacher97 from Davis, IL

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Etching a Mirror

How do you engrave on a mirror?

By trayctucker from Louisville, KY

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Making a Cat Tree

I would like instructions for how to make a cat tree?

By mc9 from San Lawrenz Gozo

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Making Candles With Drizzled Colors Down Sides

I vaguely remember making candles where we would drip a colored candle, crayon, or some material onto another bigger candle. The end result was this candle with all different colored "drops" all the way around and down the sides. They were so pretty.

Thing is, I cannot remember what we were dripping onto the candle or how we did it. Does anyone remember ever doing this and how and with what? This was probably back in the late 70s or early 80s when we would make these. Thanks.

By minnabird from VA

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Credit Card Holder Pattern

Does anyone know where I can find a pattern to sew a credit card holder? Thank you.

By aunt Phyl from Bentleyville, PA

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Cutting CD Jewel Cases

Can anyone tell me how to cut plastic CD jewel cases in half without them shattering or splintering?

By shirl-uk from Washington, England

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