Valentine Corner Bookmark

    Using up my scraps is a constant battle between me and the storage space where they are kept.  So I am always looking for small projects that will help me win that battle.  Projects that are useful for a variety of people is a bonus win-win. 

    This summer in one of my sewing classes we made a reading pillow. The bonus project for that class was a corner bookmark.  Since I work in two school libraries I am a big promoter of reading for all ages.  The link to the corner bookmark video on my YouTube channel - Sew Learn Create is below.  It is my most popular video. This project is a great scrap buster because it uses only 3 pieces of fabric.

    Since Valentines Day is approaching I decided to tackle my Valentine fabric scrap bag.  My daughter is an elementary teacher and loves to shower her kids with a small gift at holidays.  So, I created a corner bookmark with a Valentine twist.  

    By adding a small stamped heart on a piece of muslin it made these bookmarks so cute!  To create the stamped heart you use a regular stamp pad and stamp on 100% cotton fabric.  I used an unbleached muslin.  Once you have stamped your image then iron the image on a cotton setting.  This will set the ink on the fabric.  Then you are ready to add your stamped fabric to your project.

    Add your stamped fabric to the folded piece in the project before you lay out the sewing pieces.  I found that using a thread color that matched the stamped fabric for this looked a little nicer.

    To make these easy to gift I cut up an old book page and put the bookmark on the corner.  Then they were slipped into a plastic sleeve with a topper and label.

    I would love to hear your comments on corner bookmarks you make and any variations you add.  Keep sewing and Happy Valentine's Day to all you readers out there.

Danna

Not Your Ordinary Goody Bag

In the previous post I told you about the trip I took this spring on the Patchwork Express.  On this trip we loaded the bus early Saturday morning and visited 5 quilt shops during the day.  We spent the night in the town of our first quilt shop visit on Sunday.  We visited 3 shops on Sunday before returning to Fort Worth.  I always love going to different quilt shops and seeing the beautiful fabric, notions and of course the sample quilts.  I get so inspired all I want to do is sew and quilt for the next month.

Our group traveled on the bus sponsored by a shop where my friend works. Some of the ladies from my regular quilt group attended so it was a fun time.  One of the ways my friend wanted to make our bus the best was by giving every single person a door prize.  So in order to help her meet her goal of giving over 50 people a door prize I made some Just Because Goody Bags.

A Just Because Goody Bag is not your ordinary goody bag.  It is a bag filled with 5 or more handmade items.  My idea is that a goody bag should be something unique and fun.  Not just a few store bought items thrown in a bag and tied with a cute ribbon.  I have tailored these Just Because bags with a quilter in mind.  Each bag contains the following handmade items: a set of gift tags, a small sign, hand stamped note pad, set of lettered quilting pins, zipper pull and a scissor fob.

All the items in each bag.  There were different colors schemes.

The zipper pull was two yo-yos stacked with a button in the middle.

The lettered pins will make keeping track of rows 

easier when putting a quilt together.

Never loose your scissors again.

Everyone can always use extra gift tags.

The hand stamped note pads were fun and easy.

The whole group of 10 Just Because Goody bags.

I had a lot of fun designing each item and more fun making them.  To wrap up each bag in a fun way I used a plain brown paper sack, a small paper doilies and a quilting clothespin.  Each lady that received a goody bag seemed to love the items included.

The wrapped bags.

Oh, so true!

Check out my Etsy account WebberWorks for more Just Because Goody bags.  They are great for any kind of retreat.

Danna

Picture Frame Wreaths

Who said a wreath has to be round?  Whoever it was would not appreciate the new trend of "Picture Frame Wreaths".  Yes you read that correctly - picture frame wreath. If you are on Pinterest or any other creative website or just driving through your neighborhood you will see tons of variations of this new trend.

Bring in any season with a picture frame wreath on your door.

The concept is fairly simple.  You take an old picture frame, any size will work, take out the glass and backing board then paint the frame if desired.  Next you decide if your wreath will follow a holiday, season or your present decor theme.  Now the fun begins.  Select something to decorate your corners, hang in the center etc.  Really the sky is the limit.

For the Fall wreath I found a yard wind chime on clearance.

I removed the chimes and added buttons to cover the holes at the bottom.

To spell out the season I painted a wooden banner blank

and added the letters in scrabble tiles.

To finish off your wreath add a large beautiful bow that fits your style or leave the bow off, what ever you like.  On the fall wreath I did not add a bow because the flowers in the corners were enough.  I hung the owl and wooden plaque from the center using jute twine.  You could make this part where it could be changed seasonally to extend the life of your wreath.

Here is another sample using a small 5x7 frame with a Christmas theme.

I like the smaller size for variety of locations to hang it.

For this frame I put each plastic ornament on a piece of gold ribbon and hot glued them to the back of the frame.  I then added the ribbon bow and glued an old Christmas pin in the center for the finishing touch.

The ornaments are plastic so they are light weight.

Be sure to secure your decorations well especially if the "wreath" will be hanging on your front porch or door.  For my wreaths I used garage sale frames, dollar store ornaments and flowers, old scrabble pieces and some ribbon.  The total cost to make each frame was about $3.00.

So dig around in your closets for those frames, take out the outdated pictures, gather some additional decorations, the hot glue gun and make your own Picture Frame Wreath.

Danna 

A Different Kind of Wreath

So have you jumped on the paper straw wagon?  They come in all kinds of colors, themes and sizes. Paper straws are popping up in all kinds of places from weddings, baby showers to fabulous kids parties.  They definitely add a festive touch to any gathering in drinks, sticks on cake balls to a touch of color in your party decor.

Well I have used them some in various gatherings we have had recently.  But, I have definitely jumped on the paper straw crafting wagon.  Who knew you could use them in so many crafting projects.  Pinterest is covered with tons of ideas.  Just search paper straws and brace yourself for a flood of ideas.

While on a shopping trip to Target (in the Dollar Spot of course) they had some great Halloween colored straws.  I bought two packages and decided to give a paper straw wreath a try.  I bought one package in orange and white polka dot and another in black and white stripe.  Here is the completed wreath.

Mine turned out smaller than that ones I had seen online because I cut the straws in half.  My purpose for making it smaller was so I can hang it on my door at school.  Here is a quick run down on how I made mine.

1. Cut 6 stars from each package in half creating 12 from each color.
2. From a light weight cardboard cut 2 circles using a vegetable can lid as a template.
3. Draw lines on one of the cardboard circles dividing it into 4 equal parts.
4. Draw 4 more lines subdividing the circle into 8 parts.
5. Draw a small circle in the center of the cardboard about 1/2" in diameter.
6. Draw another circle about 1/4" out from center circle.

Lines subdividing the circle into 8 parts with smaller inner circle

7. Take 4 black & white straws and glue them to the 4 equal part lines touching the center circle.

8. Take 4 orange and white straws and glue them to the 8 part lines touching the outer circle. (This gives you the staggered straws at the outer edge.

9. Take the remaining straws and fill in between the beginning straws around the circle. Stagger the last straws glued to about 1/4" from the outer edge of circle.

By staggering the placement of the straws you create more

movement on the outer edge of the wreath.

10. Take the remaining cardboard circle and decorate it to cover the center of the wreath.  I made an orange paper pleated circle and then added some other fun embellishments.

11. To hang your wreath glue or tape a ribbon loop to the back.

My wreath on my classroom door.

So the next time you have a party and have some of these fun paper straws leftover jump on the paper straw wagon and create a fun wreath.

Danna

2016 -- New Hopes, Dreams and Ideas

Where did the time go?  These last 6 months have just flown by at our house and some of them were a blur.  Late last spring our family received some concerning news.  My mom was diagnosed with cancer.  She had surgery and did 5 months of chemo.  During her chemo months she was strong  but also had every side effect possible.  She is now finished with chemo and finally feeling a little better.

Over these last months I have had the privilege of spending some quality time with both of my parents.  We have shared stories I had not heard in a long time and many new stories and memories about their lives.  It has been the most incredible, sweet opportunity to learn more about my parents and a reminder of how much I love them.  I am looking forward to many more shared memories both old and new.

My hope and prayer for 2016 is to focus on the many blessings I have in my life.  I anticipate a great year of seeking new hopes, dreams and ideas.  My husband has deemed 2016 as a Year of Intentionality.  Meaning we will be intentional about the things we choose to do this year.

One of my intentional tasks will be a diligence in posting on this blog.  I have been busy crafting, sewing and pursuing new ideas these last few weeks.  I am eager to share each project and idea with you over the next 12 months.  I hope you will join me on this journey and share your ideas with me and others.  Let's make 2016 be the best year possible and may all of our lemonade be pink!

Danna

College Graduation Party 2015

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted.  Things around our house have been crazy busy and I feel like I have been on a roller coaster that keeps passing the loading station and goes for another round. 

We celebrated our daughters college graduation in early May but did not have her party until the end of  May to allow all of her friends to get back into town.  The celebration and graduation were landmark events.  She is our oldest child and it seems like yesterday we were walking into Kindergarten and now she is done with college.  Where did that time go? 

 She is one happy graduate!

I did make several items for her party and one that she can later use in her classroom. The celebration was all in purple and white since that is her school's colors.  The first item I made was a "Congrats" book page banner.

Book page banner she can use later in her classroom

 

I used the pages from a chapter book and then various colors of purple scrapbook paper.  The one that says Ms. Webber we will laminate so she can use it in her classroom.  The "Congrats" one I will save and use at our son's graduation party in a few years since his school colors are also purple and white.  Yes we bleed purple at our house.  Different schools but same colors.

 

These banners are simple to make if you want to know how to make one check out these posts Spring is Here and Picture Book Pennants.

 

We used purple pillows and her school afghan on the couch.  We placed her decorated cap and chord on the mantel along with a school water bottle.  

Her decorate cap and water bottle add a punch of purple to the mantel.

 

On the entertainment center we put her stole, family pictures, graduation pictures and some purple filler items. 

 

Pictures of our family and her through out her life.

Her stole with the school seal.

Another water bottle and yarn add the purple to this area.

 

Front porch sign.

The entry table was draped with a large piece of purple fabric with the raw edges turned under.  Simple things can be quickly gathered and put together based around a theme or color.  This process adds just the right touch of fun to the festivities and doesn't cost much at all.  So for your next party base your decorations on a theme and start raiding your closets and cabinets.  Your decorations will come together quickly.



Brother and sister - one school against the other.

Our happy family.

 

As our family crosses another milestone in our journey we are looking forward to what the future holds for each of us.  May your journey be filled with good times and lots of smiles.

 

Danna

Birthday Book Cover Sign

I have been making book cover signs lately for various occasions.  We have had several baby showers at school so I have made signs for the new arrivals.  Check out those signs at these posts Baby Book Cover Sign and Another Baby Shower Gift. 

A teacher at school wanted a sign for a birthday gift for a little girl that loves frilly girl things.  Here is the finished product.

I love her name - Saige it is very unique.

I used scrapbook paper in a fun flower pattern for the top.  The bottom section is covered by a coordinating blue paper.  To cover the seam between the papers I used a tiny pink ric rack.  The with lace at the bottom hangs over the edge and adds another layer of dimension.

The little girls name was added using raised scrapbook puffy squares and gold stick on letters.  At the top I placed a small clothespin covered by an embellishment.  The clothespin allows you to change out what is clipped to the sign.  It is a great way to show off a child's latest drawing or souvenir.  I clipped a small card with a heart and an embellishment that says let's celebrate.

The sign turned out to be fun, colorful and festive.  I hope she will think it is a wonderful addition to her bedroom.  And hopefully it will hold countless pictures in the future.

Danna

Another Graduation

This week our daughter will graduate from college.  It is hard to believe that just a few short years ago she was graduating from high school.  Her degree is in Elementary Education and she is excited about starting her teaching career.  We are extremely proud of her and all that she has accomplished.


I know she will make a great teacher because when she talks about her students her eyes light up and her whole body becomes animated.  It is nice to see a young person passionate about their career.


As we begin to prepare her classroom I will share her ideas and projects.  She is crazy about sock monkeys so we have already begun to gather sock monkey classroom décor.  I an making her a sock monkey sign for her door using a book cover and book pages.


Be sure to encourage those young people in your life to pursue their passion for their future career.  Being passionate about what you do can make going to work a fun thing not a burden.


Danna

Baby Book Cover Sign

At my school this year there has been a large group of pregnant teachers roaming the halls. In one grade level all but one teacher is pregnant and he is a man.  I told him I thought he was safe from the pregnancy bug but his wife might not be because she also teaches at our school. 

Well the time has come for the baby showers to begin.  The first one was last week for a teacher who is having a boy.  I wanted to create something simple yet useful for her new bundle of joy.  I decided that a book cover sign would work nicely.

The sign - personalized with the baby's name.

 

The sign is covered with a scrapbook paper background and wide rick rack on the top and bottom.  The paper and button at the top is glued to a clothespin allowing for the card to be changed. 

 

The button and circle are glued to a clothespin.

 

I made the card out of book pages from chapter books and picture books.  The heart says We Love You in the center.  The clothes pin will allow for the mom to change out the card for pictures or other keepsake items. 

 

The sign without the card attached.

 

The name was made from stick on letters.  This sign will provide the perfect spot to clip that new photograph or as he grows that freshly painted picture of the flowers and sky.

 

To wrap the gift for the shower I placed it in a simple brown sack and attached a pin made from scrap fabric and buttons.  The pin can be worn by the mom or clipped to a diaper bag for easy recognition.

 

Simple gift wrapping.

 

Now I only have to make a few more for all the other expectant moms in our school.  I might make one for the male teacher just in case.  If you are curious about how to make a book cover sign check out these posts for instructions and ideas.  Valentine's Book Cover Signs, Christmas Signs and Book Cover Sign How To.

 

Danna

 

 

 

Gift Basket for under $20.00

My husband is part of a Barbershop Quartet group.  They recently had a concert and held drawings for gift baskets.  We decided to do a "Kids Snack Quartet" basket as our theme.  Since quartets have four members we selected four of each snack and toy item and placed them in a large plastic bin.

This basket was stuffed with snacks and toys.

 

We purchased most of the items at the local dollar store.  In the basket was everything from puzzles, flying rockets, sidewalk chalk, gum, candy, popcorn etc.  Most of the items came in multi packs for only $1.00 each.  Our overall total was about $19.00 for everything including the plastic bin.

 

I then wrapped the basket in plastic and secured it with ribbon and a tag. 

 

The wrapped basket ready for the drawing.

 

The tag read "For Future Quartets - Four of Everything"

 

This basket was quick and easy to put together and would be great for a family that had several kids.  Each child could have their own snack and toy from one basket.  I think I will keep this in mind the next time I need a gift for a family celebration. 

 

Danna

A Great Birthday Weekend

This last weekend was my birthday so my husband and I took Saturday and celebrated.  We drove about an hour south of our home to an event called Antiques Alley.  It is a 37 mile long stretch of yard sales, flea markets and downtown square festivals.  Click Antiques Alley for their website.

We decided since it had rained fairly heavy the night before that we would check out the downtown square festival first in a small town called Grandview.  This town is in the center of the 37 mile event so we figured it would be a good place to start.  We walked around town and looked at all the booths, garage sales and small flea market area.  After having lunch we headed down the Farm to Market road toward our home.  The next town was only 11 miles away.  It took us two and a half hours to drive 11 miles.

In that 11 miles were three large pasture flea markets of 150+ booths, countless garage sales and  smaller flea market areas.  We stopped at a few of the smaller flea market areas but did not have time to fight our way into the larger ones.  The drive home even though it was bumper to bumper traffic in some areas was very enjoyable.  My first thought as we drove down the FM road was "Where has this event been all my life?" 

As we entered the next small town there were garage sales everywhere.  And I do mean everywhere.  We only drove about 8 blocks and there was a sale at almost every house.  Since we did not have any idea that this event was this large we did not allow nearly enough time to stop at the larger areas.  We made furious notes on the map for next year as we drove past each section.

We did buy a few things and had a great day driving the country roads in the beautiful spring weather in Texas.  With all the rain we have had recently everything was green and in full bloom.  I am planning our visit for next year and will be putting money away starting now.

Here are the few things we bought below.  We did snag a great TV cabinet for our game room for only five dollars (but it is still in the van so I don't have a picture).  We also bought a great graduation gift for our daughter who graduates in a few weeks from college.  Of course there is no picture of that because I don't want to spoil the surprise.

This is the traffic at one of the larger flea markets.

Cars were stacked on each side of the road.

I bought all the plastic toys and cards for a Kids Craft Camp I am

doing this summer.  We will be creating some exciting items with these tools.

 

If you have an event in your area like Antiques Alley post a comment below so other can find their flea market/garage sale event of a lifetime.  Happy hunting.

 

Danna

Another scrap bag! - Red, White and Blue

In the previous post Use It or Lose It!  I described my new process to work through the many scrap bags of fabric in my cabinets.  This particular scrap bag was all red, white and blue fabrics that were in my friends stash and she passed it on to me. 

The scrap bag of Red, White and Blue fabrics.

 

I will admit this bag was fun to work on because the fabrics were really cute.  It did have several orphan blocks in the bag along with scraps of various sizes.  To find out more about my love for orphan blocks check out this post Orphan Blocks.

 

Some of the orphan blocks in the scrap bag.

 

I have already made several projects with these scraps and still have a few left to use up.  One of the first projects was two dish towels with pieced strips.  I took the various strips of coordinating fabrics and sewed several rows together to create a band. 

 

Various length strips sewn together to create a band.

 

I then sewed the band down to the edge of the dish towel with a zigzag stitch.  I left the raw edges showing and stitched around all four sides.  I liked the raw edge because it gives the towel a more rustic feel rather than a formal feel.  The fabrics were too fun for a stuffy feeling.

 

The raw edges secured with a zigzag stitch.

The finished towel will be festive for July.

Simple yet festive!

 

My process seems to be working well for using up scraps and getting all the bags out of my cabinets.  Don't tell my husband but if this keeps up I will have room for some new fabric!! There are several more projects in the works from this bag but I will post more about them later.

 

Danna

Budget Friendly Fun Valentines for a Large Group

I enjoy giving even a small token to my coworkers on holidays but working in a school makes that list somewhat extensive.  So I am always looking for ways to create something fun and unique on a budget of nothing or very little money.  This year I came across a really cute Origami Heart Bookmark.  Not only is the bookmark a folded heart but it is a corner bookmark which I thought was really fun and unique.

The corner bookmark Valentine

I created my bookmarks out of old book pages (you know how I love old book projects) so the only cost for the Valentines was a little bit of my time and a pack of index cards.  I enjoy this kind of project because I can do it in front of the TV.  The folding of the origami is slightly complex but once you have done 4 - 5 you can really go to town.  Here is a great tutorial video that I watched to learn how to fold the bookmarks.

You can start with any size square, the larger the square the larger your bookmark.  I made my squares approximately 3" x 3".  I chose this size based on the book pages I was using since the pages had two columns.  This allowed me to get 6 squares per page.

The only change I made to my bookmarks was the addition of a colored heart punched from picture book pages.  I wanted mine to have a definite Valentine's feel and thought the colored heart added that special touch.

I added a colored heart to the center of my bookmarks.

I made about 100 of these and then placed them on a 3x5 index card with my greeting stamped on the card.  So the only cost for my Valentines for the whole school was $1.00 and some time.  They turned out to be really cute. 

A large pile of bookmarks ready to be put on cards.

The center stamp is hard to read but it says Happy Valentine's Day

I stamped READ on the same angle as the bookmark.

They would make a great gift for a book club, classroom or for those friends who enjoy a good book.  Did you create something special for your family and friends this Valentine's Day? If you did please share a comment below and tell me about your project.

Danna