Reusable Felt Bows

I went into one of the big box stores yesterday looking for gift bows to use on my Christmas gifts.  I could not believe the price for a bag of gift bows, even on sale. And I would not call them pretty bows. So I started looking around for something I would want to use on my presents.  There are tons of gift wrapping ideas out there, but I want something I could just stick on and go.  I found these easy to make felt bows from See Vanessa Craft.  The cost less than .20 cents a piece and are reusable.  It took me less than 2 minutes to make one and if you assembly lined the project it would even take less.  Felt comes in many different colors, even some with sparkles!And this is my sample I made this morning from felt I had in my stash.

For the Home

I love this bench cover that I found over at CSI Project.  It is a guest blog from Pretty Handy Girl.  The cover is made out of a shower curtain for easy cleaning.  Check out both blogs for a lot of other great ideas for the home.Here is an other DIY project from Breakfast for Dinner.  I have an island counter that I would really like to change, but think I will give this a try on a small-scale and make sure I get the results I am looking for first. 

This morning I found this tote bag on Etsy (an online market place for homemade and vintage items)  and I just had to share.  It is now on my Christmas list.  It’s by Kimberly at Homemade & Craft.

A Few Craft Ideas

Today I have found a hodge-podge of ideas.  The first is a product that lets you make your own mold, and it is food safe.  You can see how it works at Rings & Things.

Fabric Worm has a wonderful tutorial for making a Christmas stocking.  You can dress up this basic design in may ways.

These birds made out of almonds would be fun to do with the kids.  You can find them at Better Homes and Gardens.

And over at Crafty Sheep she will show you how to make doll hair.  Easy to follow instructions.

Well I took you many different directions today, hope you find something useful, and happy crafting.

Christmas Tree Skirt

I may not get it done this year, but this tree skirt from Sew Mama Sew is on my list for next year.  It screams Marla and the one I have now is in pretty poor shape on top of the fact that my husband doesn’t like it.Amy Butler has a free download for this Christmas tree skirt.  I love the big buttons.  This skirt can adapt to any Christmas design by just changing up the fabric.

And for those who aren’t interested in sewing (there is a little bit), here is a skirt made of felt from Better Homes and Gardens.

Crafty Talk has 11 ideas for tree skirts.  Some of which are no sew patterns.

Organizing

Sometimes I get an idea in my head for a post and come across and blog that has everything I was think of and more.  Today I was thinking of storage.  I don’t know if it is because I am searching through Christmas decoration that didn’t get put away in an organized manner or if it is the time I spend searching for something for a craft project knowing I have the item, but can’t find it. (somewhere there is a small box full of googly eyes)  It all brings about dreams of being organized.  And storage to me is the answer.  Organizing Home Life has come to my rescue and maybe your too.  There are many ideas that Organizing Home Life has collected from other blogs, I have listed just a few.  I am sure you can find one to fit your needs.Heart of Wisdom

A Turtle’s Life For Me

Jazzie and Tahlia

Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.Jeanne Winters

Making Jewelry

Today’s topic is jewelry.  I love making jewelry and then getting to wear it.  There are a lot of projects that are easy to do for the casual jewelry crafter and here are a few:

I love the colors in these brush stroke earrings by Lima Beads.  I like how she changed the colors for each earring.

The chevron design is so popular now and this necklace from Craftpond really shows it off.Look at these great infinity bracelets from Make Bracelets.  They have stretchy cord in them!  Makes them easy to get on and off.So my tips for jewelry making are to go to the bead shop with a project in mind.  Lots of wonderful beads there, really easy to come home with beads just because they are pretty.  Work at get a technique down makes a difference in the finished piece. Using proper tools will give you a better finished look, you can get by with about three different tools and are often sold as a set. (not expensive)  There are many blogs that have jewelry making tutorials and give great instructions on finish work, Katalina Jewelry is a good one.  And remember the person you are making the piece for,  they may wear only dainty jewelry so that big bright-colored piece you worked so hard on may not get worn.

Christmas Crafts with Kids

Let’s have some Christmas fun with the kids today.

The first one I found is from Jolly Allsorts.  What wonderful color and characters on this printout.  You could print it out on cardstock or buy adhesive back magnetic sheets and attach the cut-out paper dolls.  Little ones could play with them on the frig or a cookie sheet.

Or you could do the same thing with this cute nativity design from Design Dazzle.How about this felt Christmas tree from I Heart Nap Time.  This would be a fun sewing project to do together.Still looking for ideas head over to Design Dazzle there are 100 ideas.

Working with Wood

I like working with wood, but I am not always brave with power tools, especially ones that can take fingers off.  Here are a few easy wood working projects that should be easy on the fingers.  Just remember to take all the safety precautions.

I love this little reindeer.  It would be fun to have the eight reindeer plus Rudolph.  This is from Lovely Little Snippets.So You Think You’re Crafty came up with this cute no-melt snowman.This is one the kids could help with.  Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus is by Learning to b me.For this one by Mark Kintzel all you need are some pruning shears and a tree that needs a trim.  Think I will pass on the natural disaster if I can (must read blog)

Christmas Gift Tags

Today I have been having fun looking at Christmas gift tags.  This year I found a free printable from Raggedy Scrappin’ and I am going to color the tags and use them.  There are a lot of great ideas out there and as always thought I would share.  Hope it gives you some ideas for your presents this year.

I love the idea of using photos of the person who is receiving the gift.  Here are two ideas the first is a pin on Pinterest by Abby Fisher.Here is another fun photo idea from Mer Mag.  She used photo decals, but there is computer  software that you can load and change the photos in too.If you have one of those nice machines that cut paper into shapes (I don’t, but have an aunt who lets me borrow hers) here is a pretty idea with snowflakes from House Built of Cards.Here are three different downloads that all you have to do is print them out and cut them apart.

Owl Barn

My Girl Thursday

Whisker Graphics

And the last inspiration for the day is from Warm Hot Chocolate.  Nice 3-D Tags!