Cork Board--->Necklace Holder

Here is another recycled project I made last week.  I have been so annoyed lately with how I keep all my necklaces.  Before this board, I would have to look in about 4 different spots for any given necklace.  I  had some hanging on doorknobs, in my jewelry box, in the bathroom, etc!  Now, they are all in one place and easy to see.  I have literally had this cork board since High School!  What used to hold Senior Pictures and ticket stubs, now holds my necklaces.  Here is how I made this:
Supplies:
Cork Board
Fabric/Paper/Contact Paper
Modge Podge
Spray Paint (optional)
Push Pins
I started by spray painting the wood frame an off-white.  No need to tape it off since the cork will later be covered.  I also spray painted my push pins at this time.  This is optional, I just wanted mine to match the fabric.

I then cut my fabric to the size needed to fit over the cork and modge podged it on.

  

And that's about it.  I arranged my necklaces while the board was laying flat and then added my push pins where needed!  It is now hung in my closet, out of the way and untangled!

 

  

 

Don't donate that old Sweater...

Use it to make a pillow or some leg warmers...or both!  Many of you know that Nate got laid off last month.  This obvioulsy hurt my craft fund.  Instead of having to take a craft sabatical, I decided to see how many things I could make with what I had already laying around.  The first was this cool sweater pillow.  I headed down to the basement, searched through my "garage sale" pile and found a few sweaters that would work perfectly.  Here is the one I used for this post:

 

Cut a little here, snipped a little there and came up with this:

 

and this:

 

I also used an old sheet and cut out 2 rectangles the same size as the above pillow pieces  to act as a lining.  I sewed all 4 together, stuffed with batting, and then hand stitched the pillow closed.

For the leg warmers, I sewed on the cuffs to the top (which were cut from the bottom of the sweater), and added a flower I made from tulle.   I made both in one night.  Another fun project, and completely free!

 

  

 

Valentine's Day Frame

I made this little guy for Nate's sister's birthday.  Saw something similar somewhere and just added my own touch to it (as usual).

I found this frame in the Michael's dollar bin...score!  I painted the edges red to make sure the wood would not show through.  Modged Podged ripped paper.

 

Drying...

 

I wrapped burlap around the cardboard that came with the frame and hot glued it to the back of the frame.  I then hot glued  the scrabble letters and added the fiber and flower.   Cute AND easy!

Modge Podge on shoes?...Why not?

I came across this idea from 2 different craft blogs.  One was a suggestion from Stephanie, and the other I frequent almost daily.  Here is the link for the modge podge shoes and here is the link for the zipper accents.

 

These are the cheap pair I used.  I cut the bow off.

The final product :)

Sew Many Scarfs!

I have been on this SCARF kick lately.  What better way to fill my need for scarfs than to make 2 from scratch.  I was in the Fabric Clearance aisle at Jo-Ann's last week and found some great knit fabrics for SUPER cheap!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do right away...make scarfs!  The one below came from here...  Super easy, you don't even need to be a good sewer for this one ;)

The next one I have step-by-step directions for you (okay, anyone else start singing New Kids on the Block after reading that last sentence?  No? Nevermind)

Anyways, here is another EASY scarf, probably even easier and def. faster than the one above.  From start to finish, it took less than and hour.  Also, quick tip: no need to go by knit fabric.  Just cut up an old knit shirt or pair of pants!  Works just the same.

Okay, start by cutting out 56-64 four by four inch squares.

Here they are, all cut up and ready to go!

Next, pin together.  Do this by lining up the top point to the middle of your next square.

Last step is to just sew right down the middle of your squares, using your points to keep you straight.  I used both a straight stitch and a zig-zag.  Both worked the same.

And finally, enjoy your EASY-PEASY scarf.  Because this scarf is so light, it can be worn year round!

I have it doubled up here to give it a little more volume.

One more with Oakley insisting on being in the pic...

Calendar for Dad's Christmas Present

I had quite of bit of fun putting this little baby together.  It probably cost less than $10.  This includes the clear covers, the papers and bellies and the developing of the pics.  No directions, just pics today.

Make a Smilebox collage

Altered Thift Store Frame

Well, I found this beauty at the Thrift store for $1.92.  I knew exactly what I could do with it and was pretty excited with how well it turned out.  I forgot to take a picture of the before frame, but you can kind of get the idea of the ugly green is was before.

 

I first spray painted it this pretty aqua color.  It only needed a few coats.  I sanded the edges after it was really dry.  This is where my handy-dandy Cricut always comes into play.  I was hoping I had a cart that had a wreath on it, but I did not.  So, I had to make my own.  I found this cute branch and figured I could make my own wreath with a few of them cut out.  I cut the branches and the "B" out with black vinyl, used the AMAZING Cricut transfer tape for the first time, and placed it on the middle of the glass that already came with the frame.  (I forgot to mention that I just took the cardboard and the mat off the back of the frame.)  Last step is to place your glass back in the frame and add any 'bellies you like.  I just tied on a simple black ribbon.  This was my mom's Christmas present.  I am happy to report that it made it safely to Seattle :)

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