Crafty Couture

Yummy candy bracelets...

2008-07-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Do these look good enough to eat? These bracelets were made from beads that I got for a steal! A huge ziploc bag full of them for $1. I strung them on elastic and added some cute coordinating ribbon. They remind me of hard candy.

Winged heart

2008-05-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is another item I finished yesterday. Can you tell I love necklaces? This one has a hammered copper heart with nickel silver rings. I joined the two with rivets that I made by hand. I etched the wings and bent them to give them texture and dimension. If you click on the title to this post or my previous one it will take you right to my etsy shop.

Something sparkly!

2008-05-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like ages since I have had a chance to add a post so today I'm happy I got one done. I have been so busy with work that there has just not been any time! I am showing off my latest creation. It's a necklace I made. The top heart is made of nickel silver with a crown etched onto it and then accented with swarovski rhinestones. The second heart is made of brass and has french script etched into it. I have already sold eight of them! I have one listed in my etsy shop just click on the link above. I have been up late every night after the kids are in bed making them but it's very therapeutic.

Spring!

2008-03-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well I am constantly on the lookout for theme ideas and spring and Easter are easy! I made these egg shaped soaps they are lightly scented and I tinted them to look sort of like robin's eggs. Then I used brown and cream colored crinkly paper to look like a nest and packaged them in cellophane bags tied with raffia. I am using them at Nordstrom which is my main store right now for work (fragrance rep). I am really happy with how they turned out. I will probably drop a couple off for my friends too. Here are the basic supplies needed and steps:

White glycerin melt and pour soap block
plastic microwave safe container
blue soap coloring
green soap coloring
desired soap scent
egg shaped mold, I used a plastic deviled egg serving tray that I got at Joann's they are on sale right now
baking pan spray (like PAM) to help your soaps release

break up your block to the amount you want to work with. Heat in microwave for about 30 seconds and then 15-30 seconds intervals after that until melted. Add blue coloring and green coloring and stir until desired color is achieved. Add soap scent.
Pour into the mold that has been lightly sprayed with pan spray. Let soaps cure about an hour so they are really hard. Pop out or use a thin knife to loosen around the sides and then pop out.

Package as desired.

Easy!

Pretty Spring Purse

2008-02-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

So I have had this tutorial printed for months and I finally got it together and decided to make a cute purse. I change purses all the time and I was getting frustrated that none we really working out so I finally realized I need to make one. Plus I have such a purse fetish I might as well be able to make my own or I would be tempted to spend a fortune. I developed the pattern myself and I plan on posting it as soon as I make another one which I promise will be soon. They whip up so quickly I was amazed and there is no complicated sewing just straight lines. It really couldn't be simpler. Here's a pic I hope you love it.

Coloring activity

2008-02-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

Crayon holder & activity book

2008-02-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

So this is a project that I completed this morning to use for church today and I am so happy with the results. My friend found a link to make this roll up crayon holder, I am adding the link above but will making more with a slight alteration to the pattern because I want it to be slightly larger because I want it to carry the larger sized crayons. Where the pattern directs you to cut 2 pieces of fabric 11x5 inches, I recommend cutting them 11x6 inches. Then on the felt piece cut it 11x 4 inches instead of 11x3 otherwise the instructions are the same this will just give you a slightly larger crayon holder. In addition to the crayon holder I printed some pictures of Transformers and some gospel related pictures and had them laminated. I then trimmed those down and put them on a key ring with some cute ribbon. Lastly, I added a piece of felt so that my son could wipe off the pictures and color them over and over again and everything stays together. To add the felt cloth put an eyelet in it so that it doesn't tear and add it to the key ring. This worked like a charm we had such a nice quiet Sacrament meeting. I will gradually add more pictures to keep it interesting. Just the paste this link into your web browser to get the full instructions and then make either size according to your preference.

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/07/fold_up_crayon_pouch_tutorial.html

Key holder

2008-01-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

This is a project that was a Christmas present for my Mom's office. I took a large piece of wood 3/4 inches thick, sorry I forgot the other dimensions but you can size it to your needs. I painted it a nice neutral color and then added a sort of photo collage. I varied the sizes on the photos for interest but a row of all the same size could be really cute too especially if it's the same subject matter or event. I used antique looking mug hooks that have a threaded end, you will want to predrill the holes for those. Then I used the sawthooth hangers on the back. Since my piece was fairly large I used two so that it would be balanced and secure to the wall. Lastly I found this really pretty ribbon. It was somewhat sheer and then had fibers running through it of complimentary colors, so it had a little texture too. I added the keys for a decorative touch. I'm thinking of making one for my bedroom that uses some of my cute vintage clip art instead of photos and slightly bigger hooks so that I can hang purses from it. Maybe you'll see it in a future post...

Flash card round up...

2008-01-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

My son received quite a few sets of flash cards from my Mom (a teacher) for Christmas and within maybe 30 seconds of opening they were strewn all over my house. Whose kids don't do that with flash cards? So I came up with a way for them to be usable but not "losable". I put them all in order and punched a hole in the corner. Then I used a one of those individual binder rings to hold them together and tied some ribbon scraps to make it cute. You can get the rings at Walmart or office supply stores and I recommend having them around because they can be very useful for organizing. Now the flashcards are more portable and not all over my house!

Valentine sweetheart ring

2008-01-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

Well it's time to get down to the business of crafting. My etsy shop has not had anything added to it since October. My goal this week is to get some stuff listed. This is my newest item. It's a ring made from a vintage button, a new heart button and tarnish resistant jewelry wire. I love it! Of course I will have to have to make one for myself. I will be adding things hopefully all week so keep checking!

Reversible apron

2008-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

I've had this made for ages ever since I went through my crazy for aprons phase. I had made some for Mystic Paper and some as gifts but I kept this one. It is reversible as you can see in the pics and the bottom section is a pocket divided into sections as well. I love it! I will be making a slightly longer version soon and will post a tutorial and pattern. Hopefully I will get it done soon!

Valentine Candy Dish Spoolie

2008-01-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

Newest creation! This is a candy "dish" I made out of an empty cardboard ribbon spool. I will post a complete tutorial in the morning. Check back!

Housework burn out!

2008-01-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I normally complain that with working I don't have enough time to get all my housework done. Well guess what I am in "let's take a nap" mode already. It could be because I had no sleep last night. One of my dogs was having nightmares and kept waking up yelping and barking. Well he shares his kennel with out other dog Peter who was terrified that he was going to be eaten at any moment. He's just a little dachsund so I don't blame him. So we took him into our room and then Clayton (my son) woke up and then I had to get up at 5:15 to get my older son up and take him to school early for basketball practice. Never the less I did get a lot accomplished already but I am tired now and I don't feel terribly motivated. However the Christmas tree and other decorations are not going to put themselves away and I am so sick of looking at them! Bah Humbug! I've already moved on to Valentine's Day!

Ribbon holder

2008-01-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

I have been working like mad to organize my craft room. I have had this ribbon holder on my "to do" list for a while. I love the way it is so easily organizes my ribbon and creates some wall interest at the same time. I simply took a wooden frame and measured the space inside. My frame happened to be 19 1/2 by 15 1/2. I simply measured the diameter of some of my larger spools of ribbon to determine how much clearance each of the wood dowels would need. I needed to space my dowels 4 inches apart. I measured and marked my frame off accordingly. I allowed a top and bottom margin and then marked off every four inches on both sides of the frame. Then I drilled a hole on each of those points and screwed in the hooks. These are just mug hooks with a threaded screw type end. Then I measured and cut down my dowels to fit in the hooks. Lastly I added my ribbon. The dowels easily pull out of the hooks but are still secure even when they are full of ribbon spools. Once I get this room painted I may repaint the frame and dowels but until then it serves its purpose.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

My work here is done! It's Christmas Eve, very late and I have wrapped the last present and put it under the tree. I wanted to take a picture to document my efforts and because it seemed so peaceful. Looking at our tree with all of the gifts piled underneath it I felt very blessed. I hope that this Christmas has left everyone else feeling the same and that the coming year is even better. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Retro-Reversible Christmas apron

2007-12-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my retro style reversible Christmas apron. I'm at work in this picture. I made the apron with the idea that wearing it would help me get into the Christmas spirit. The other side is black with poinsettias. The green with Santa fabric I found at Joann's and it is very cute and cheery. I designed the pattern after I saw some really cute Jessie Steele hostess aprons. Here is a basic instruction: If you already have a apron pattern or one at home that is a typical "work apron" simply trace it on some paper and determine how long you want it to be at the front midpoint. Now with your pattern fold exactly in half you can come up with your own scalloped edge. Cut the apron from two different fabrics and pin together at edges with seam binding that coordinates. You will do this with the right sides of the fabric facing out. Stitching the binding on will sew the two pieces together. Once you have done that choose the 1 inch double fold seam binding to make your neck strap and the waist ties. Determine the length on yourself or a mannequin and stitch those on continuing the seam to stitch the binding closed. If you choose to add pocked do so before you stitch the apron together with the binding. Once completed wear and be cute. I'm sure you'll receive lots of compliments on your cute apron!

Vintage Shiny-brite

2007-12-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas I became obsessed with vintage Christmas ball ornaments. I love the artwork on the boxes and the patina that the ornaments have. I was able to amass a small collection but I am always on the hunt. I thought I would share a couple of my favorites...

Holidays!

2007-11-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

I don't think that anyone can deny that there is a certain magic about Christmas. Everything has a new sparkle to it and we anticipate all the season brings. Thanksgiving is starting to get lost in the mix, Christmas decorations are out before Halloween is over and we all rush to fulfill our holiday obligations. My Grandma always hosts Thanksgiving and I was trying to come up with a nice gift for her to start off the season and to let her know how much we appreciate all the effort she goes to during the holidays. I always buy the clear glass ball ornaments and use them for various projects and gifts. This year I suspended pictures of Clayton sledding in the snow and filled the bottom with a mixture of large and small flake snow, diamond dust (glitter), and mica snow. It is like a sweet little time capsule to hang on the tree. The snow even gives the picture a slight shimmer and it only took about 10 minutes to put together. Try to be a little creative this year when you send or give out those holiday pictures and turn them into something that will be a holiday treasure for years to come.

Blinged out skull rings

2007-09-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

So Halloween is a bit of an obsession for me. I love the holiday and for anyone who lives in Arizona it signals the end of the oppressive heat. I bought a bag of those plastic rings that come in spider, bat and skull shapes and I was instantly inspired. The spiders and bats creeped their way onto a spooky Halloween banner for a class that I'm teaching at "A Scrap 'n Time", and the skulls got a little sparkle. I used Swarovski crystal rhinestones to add some Halloween glitz and a jaunty little black bow. I love them and will probably be dropping them off at a couple of the stores that carry my jewelry. If you love them or want some for yourself I can sell them direct, just post to my blog or email me. Happy Halloween!

Baby book

2007-09-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

I made this as a baby shower gift for one of my friends. Simply take brown lunch bags (3) folded in half and alternate the open ends and closed ends. I then stitched a chenille cover to the outside bag and then stitched down the middle of all three bags to bind the album. If you use a lot of embellishments on your inside pages you might want to reinforce this with ribbon or eyelets whatever you prefer. Then add cute scrapbook paper and anything else your heart desires to your inside "pages". The lunch bags also give spots to tuck in other items that the new mom might want to save such as cards, hospital bracelets, etc.

Tag Book

2007-09-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Camping is not my favorite thing, but I do it out of love for my husband. Our first family camp out is captured in this little tag book. Made with mailing tags and wooden tag shaped covers it brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. These are fun and easy to put together and make great gifts.

Decorative Canvas

2007-09-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is an example of a fun way to incorporate photos and scrapbooking into your decor. I took a 12x12 inch canvas, painted the edges with acrylic paint and gave it a crackle effect. Then I added scrapbook paper that worked with my theme and decor and added photos and embellishments. This is a great way to fill up your wall space and display those precious photos.

Fun tags!

2007-08-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have found a fun new resource on the web for craft ideas, tutorials, and patterns. It is: www.craftzine.com If you register you get their daily craftzine. The variety of craft mediums they cover is great and it's trendy! They recently were running a submission request for tags, I managed to whip up a couple. Quick tip: you can create your own ephemera! I have some vintage aprons patterns and I just love the artwork because it is so nostalgic. I took the pattern envelopes and some cardstock to my local copy store and made color copies. I used vanilla colored cardstock to go with the vintage, antique look. They turned out great and I cut out one of illustrations to use on one of my tags. These would be cute when making a heritage type album. In fact I have some great photos of my grandma from the 50's and it would be really cute to incorporate these charming pieces of the past into a mini album. Perhaps you will see it in a future post...

First Design Team Project

2007-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Project: Circle of Love
This is the first project that I have completed for the Mystic Paper Design team. This project features 7 Gypsies paper, and a Petaloo round scrapbook box with 5 inch accordion album. I love the paper and was inspired to do something with my wedding photos for this project. Here are some photos, but better yet check out the real thing at the Mystic Paper Store in Mesa.

Design Team

2007-06-19T09:23:00.001-07:00

Attention paper crafters! If you need any of the latest and greatest supplies for your projects whether it's scrapbook or altered art check out Mystic Paper in Mesa down on Main St. I was fortunate enough to be selected along with some other incredibly talented gals to be a part of their first Design Team. Check out the store's website at www.mysticpaper.com for information on new products, classes and design team blogs. Each month the store will be stocked with wonderful projects that we hope will spark your creativity.

2007-05-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I figured out how to post a photo. This is so great because I hope to post photos of some of my favorite projects. I am enjoying a quiet Sunday evening. My little one is in bed and my older son is enjoying staying up late because school is out. I think they're so quiet because they are in a brownie induced coma.

2007-05-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

First Post!

2007-05-26T17:55:00.002-07:00

Okay, I have to thank my friend Jenny for teaching me how to set up my own blog. I have been curious about this for ages and never even thought it would be this easy! Soon I will add pictures and share with you some of my crafting adventures!