Saturday, July 14, 2012

Large luggage tag, easy kid's craft




I just got back from a short vacation this week and I had no trouble picking out my bags from all the others in the airport.  They are labeled quite colorfully and big enough to stand out on an airline luggage carousel.  Of course I have black luggage-- and so does everyone else!  To help get on with my trip faster I put something unique on those bags that will stand out in a crowd. My tag is big… but lightweight.  This is a great craft for kids!

You will need:

2 foam door hangers in contrasting colors

Disappearing marker

Hole punch or nail, scissors

Tacky craft glue

Sharpie marker

16” of flexible plastic string (used for beading)

Small foam shapes to fit in the center hole

1)   Choose two contrasting colors of foam door hangers.  Measure 3 inches from the bottom of one door hanger marking with a disappearing marker and cut off. Do the same with the other door hanger except you will measure from the top  (the end with the hole) and cut off.



2)   Place them together and you will have a recessed area on one end.  You will not be putting any glue in the recessed area. 


3)   Using a large hole punch or simply poke a hole with a nail in the center of the non-door hole area.



4)   Line up both side together so that the hole you punched is in the center of the door hole.  (This is the top of your tag)
  
5)   Spread some tacky glue onto the side with the door hole. Press together and let dry.  Trim the corners at an angle.


6)   Glue foam shapes in the recessed door hole areas if desired or just leave as is.   Attach a piece of flexible plastic string through the punched hole and attach to luggage.  Use the Sharpie marker to label with name and address.







Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Recycled Travel Jewelry case





When you travel it’s nice to have a little place to put your jewelry. All you need is an empty margarine container, some duct tape in your choice of colors and some plastic canvas.  It’s easy and quick to make and is handy to have for summer travel.

You will need:

An empty small margarine container.  Mine was oval but you may use a rectangular one. 

Colored plastic canvas

Exacto knife or equivalent

Duct tape in desired color

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scrap of ¼” lace trim

Ruler, scissors

Pencil

1.     Measure across your container to obtain the width.  Mine was 3 ” When you cut your square of plastic canvas it will need to be wider than your width.  So my square was 3 ¾.” (Most small margarine containers are 3” in width.)  Once you determine how wide your insert will be, cut tabs on each side three squares x three squares in the center of the square. The tabs will be ½”.  Trim up the sides sort of like stair steps. (See photo)


2.     Using a ruler along the side of your container, measure and mark the center on both sides, making sure they are parallel.  Use an exacto or craft knife to cut a ½” slit in each side at the marks you made.



3.     Make sure the earring insert tabs fit in both sides of your container.  This will be your removable earring insert.

4.     Cut two 4-inch strips of duct tape and apply to the sides of your container.  Cut slits in bottom edge to enable the tape to fold slightly under.  Cut two 3-inch strips and apply to side ends, cutting slits and folding under as before.  Smooth any wrinkles out with your fingers. Use the craft knife of cut away any duct tape from the slits for your insert. Cut another 4-inch strip and apply to the bottom. Smooth out any wrinkles.






5.     Cut a 2 pieces of duct tape to fit across the top of your container and press down.  Use your fingers to mold to the edges and trim up with the craft knife. 



6.     Run a bead of hot glue along the upper edge of the container and add some ¼” lace trim if desired.


The plastic canvas piece will hold several pairs of earrings and is removable.  You may use the bottom section for rings, bracelets, hairpins, etc. 


Saturday, July 7, 2012

Christmas in July--Down the Chimney Silverware Pockets




I know it's early but Christmas will be here before you know it, so I've decided to feature at least one Christmas project every week.  Start on your ornaments and decorations and before you know it you will be Christmas ready.  This project is a popular re-run of sorts from my other blog so grab some glue, felt and Christmas spirit and "make it easy."  

Are you looking for an easy an inexpensive project to do with the kids to brighten up that holiday table? Look no further!  You can make one, two, or more of these cute little chimney silverware pockets for very little money in no time!

 “Down the Chimney Silverware Pockets,” instructions for easy Kids or adult craft:

You will need:

12” x 9-inch square of red felt.  Embossed felt in Alligator red gives it a brick like look.  (One square makes three pockets so purchase enough for your needs)

12” x 9-inch square of white glitter stiffened felt.  You can use regular felt but the stiffened felt makes a sturdier pocket.  (One square will make four)

Tacky glue

Ruler

Scissors

Pencil

Clothespins to hold the pocket tight while the glue sets

Die cut snowflake felt shapes

Scrap cardboard for pattern

1.     As always protect your work surface with newspaper or craft paper.




Fold the red felt in half lengthwise.  Measure 4 inches across, and cut.  Repeat twice.  You will have three folded pieces of felt. 


3.     Open the folded piece and run a bead of glue down each side.  Refold to adhere.  You will have a pocket made.  Repeat with the other two pieces.  Let dry. 




4.     To make the snow on the edge of the chimney make a pattern from a piece of cardboard.  (Cereal boxes are perfect for this use) Cut a piece of cardboard    5” x 2.”  Round the corners.  Draw a wavy line on one edge and cut out.  It does not have to perfect, because it is representing snow piled on to the rim of the chimney.  Once you have your pattern, place it on the stiffened glitter white felt, trace and cut out.  Turn over and trace another, piece.  Laid together, the pieces should match up. 







5.     It is easiest to glue each side separately.  Spread some tacky glue onto the back of one of the pieces of white felt you just cut out.  Attach to the front of the chimney pocket.  Repeat for the back with the other piece of white cut out making sure you glue each overhang side.  Use a clothespin to hold it tight till the glue sets.  Let it dry.


6.     Attach some snowflake felt die cut shapes as desired.  Die cut felt shapes are available in craft stores or online.


                                





Friday, July 6, 2012


Easy Craft- Scrap cardboard 3 x 5 photo frame




This frame uses only some glue, corrugated cardboard and a piece of scrapbook paper.  How inexpensive can you get???  With a little help older kids can create these frames and give them as gifts to friends and family.  There are so many beautiful scrapbook papers available you won’t be able to stop at just one.  Get creative with the embellishments.  I used simple buttons but any number of things would be great. This is a great group craft--think summer camps, vacation bible schools, etc. Cardboard boxes are available free at your local warehouse store or grocers.

You will need:

Corrugated cardboard

Lightweight cardboard (cereal boxes are perfect)

Scrapbook paper of choice

Buttons or rhinestones for embellishing the frame

Scissors

Craft knife (Optional for adults only)

Tacky Glue

Ruler and pencil

1.     Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard 6 ½” x 4 3/4.



2.     Measure one inch from the edges all around and cut out.  You may use an X-acto or craft knife but since the scrapbook paper covers the opening, it is not necessary to cut it perfectly. The opening should be about 2 ¾” x 4 ½.”

3.     Cut a piece of scrapbook paper 8” x 6.”



4.     On the non-colored side, place the cardboard on top and trace the center opening.  Measure ½ inch smaller from the marked line around and cut out. 

5.     Make slits in the paper around the opening of the scrapbook paper to the line that represents the cardboard openeing.  Add a bit of glue on the edges and fold up the scrapbook paper.




6.     On the outer edges fold in at the corners and glue the sides.  Do this all around to finish. Let dry.

7.     Cut another piece of cardboard the same size as the frame, 6 ½” x 4 ¾” and glue on to the back of the frame on three sides only, leaving the top edge unglued.  You may use lighter weight cardboard here.  (Cereal boxes are great sources of cardboard.)



8.     Make a stand and cut out. (See photo)  Fold 1/2” from the top and glue this section to the back.  Make sure it is in the correct position for standing.  Let dry.

9.     When completely dry glue some buttons or other baubles of choice to the corners as an embellishment and to hide any slight imperfections.  Slip a photo into the top and enjoy.


Another super idea...Why not dress up your fridge?  These are so easy and so lightweight that instead of attaching a stand try gluing a magnet on the back and use it for displaying recent photos.  


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Recycled Glue Caddy




When you craft a lot, you inevitably end up with quite a few types of glues.  Ya gotta have the right tool for the job, right? Anyway, glue works better when it’s at the ready and you don’t have to shake it down to get it to come out.  The solution is simple; you must store your glue upside down. What’s a crafter to do? If you can get your hands on a box of Clementine tangerines, eat em up (Yum), and then use the box as a base for your caddy. Just hot glue some recycled K-Cups in the box and you will never have to shake down glue again. And while you are working on a project simply use an old glass to keep your glues coming out quickly and smoothly.

You will need:

Box from Clementine tangerines

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Sharpie marker

Several K-Cups, washed and filters removed

1.     Remove any paper form the bottom of the box if necessary.  Plug in your glue gun and let it heat up.



2.     Begin gluing the K-Cups by squirting some hot glue on the bottom of the K-Cup and pressing inside the box.  Continue adding K-cups in this manner, side by side, for as many holders as you need for your glues.




3.     When you have added as many holders as you need, use a sharpie marker to label the bottoms of your glues and place them in the holders.



Note:  Only add as many holders as you need.  You may keep the brush on glues in the box as well right side up.  Keep an old drinking glass or jar to set your glues in while you are working with them.