Christmast Countdown - 18 days left!

Now that you have some projects completed let’s get them wrapped and ready to put

under the tree. Today’s project is gift tags. Since this project is high on the recycle

and repurpose meter you should have all of the supplies in your craft room.

 

A few years ago we finally went through all of our files and did a major purge. We

had tons of left over folders with worn out tabs but the body of the folder was still in

good shape. Since I am a frugal person it is hard for me to toss out such good

material. I cut the body of the folders into tags of several sizes. (If your folder has

printing on the inside be sure to cut around it.) When I was finished I had a rather

large stack of tags.

 

Using my tiny fabric scraps (yes I keep these and now I know why) I pinked the

edges and glued them onto the tags. I kept all of the fabric in the same color family

and created tag sets of 4 – 6 tags in each set. I punched a hole in the top and

using left over fabric strips (yes I keep these also) I attached a string to each tag.

Some of the tags I added the hole protector sticker to give it one final detail but

others I left the plain. Either look works well. On some of the tags I stamped a

phrase or word (i.e. for you, celebrate, joy etc.)

 

Here are some I made:

Each group has 4 tags included.  I used either all of the same color family

or coordinating fabrics.

Some I stamped using a simple message that is appropriate for many occasions.

 

Using your Christmas colored fabrics, paper or washi tape you can create tags in a

flash. When used with simple gift wrap or a solid colored gift bag they add a little

extra “wow” factor. They also make great small gifts to include for teachers,

coworkers etc., who can’t use gift tags.

 

If you don’t have a stack of old file folders you can cut cardstock in any color and

make tags in a rainbow of colors.

 

If you have larger pieces of Christmas fabric you want to use you can stitch the

fabric to the tag. Using a zig zag stitch go around the edges of the fabric. Be sure

to use an old needle if you have one since this process will dull the needle. Matching the

thread color to the fabric will give you a unified look but if you use a contrasting color it

can make your fabric really pop.

 

Here is a sample of one I made using a Christmas panel fabric:

 

The fabric was stitched onto red construction paper using a zig zag stitch.  This was

one of the left over tags I glued to a small box (purchased at the Dollar Tree). 

This makes a great size for very small gifts or gift cards.

I did add some French knots out of embroidery thread to the center to give

the tags an added dimensional look.  You could use buttons or small bead

and glue them onto the fabric. 

 

Go grab your old folders, fabric and paper scraps and create a beautiful tag for all

your gifts under the tree.

 

Enjoy!

 

Danna

Christmas Countdown - 19 days left!

Today's project has the quilter or sewing enthusiast in mind.  But you could use them for a more decorative touch in many settings. 

Decorative Pins:  Anyone who quilts, sews or appreciates such things are always on the look out for something unique or different.  Decorative pins are simple to put together and require only a few materials.  They are not only functional but beautiful. 

I made these to use with quilting.  These would be hard to miss when piecing a quilt top together.  I am always sewing over my pins.

The plastic hearts and flowers are beads I had in my stash.  I loved the rich jewel tones. 

 

The butterflies on these pins are clear glass with a touch of pink.

 (Sorry I could not get a better picture)

This set is my favorite.  I love the turquoise and black in the flower beads and the glass turquoise beads have a simple gold swirl. I added a second seed bead under the glass beads to make them appear larger.

 

Basic instructions to make the beaded decorative pins are as follows:

Supplies - long corsage pins in any color, small beads either glass or plastic, coordinating seed beads, a strong glue (I used E6000 - it only takes a drop)

 

1. Place the large bead onto the pin and place a small drop of glue to secure. (Use a toothpick to spread the glue)
2. Feed the seed bead or beads on next and secure above and below with glue. 
3. Lay the pins flat to allow the glue to dry completely.

 

To package the pins stick them into a small piece of felt or batting glued into a folded card.  An alternative setting is to stick them into a pin cushion.  Either makes a pleasant display for your new decorative pin set.

 

I hope this project inspires you to search out unique gifts for all the creative people on your list.

 

Until tomorrow.

 

Danna





Christmas Countdown - 20 days left!

The project today takes about five minutes to prepare but has so many possibilities. Scrabble tile word sets. You can pick up old Scrabble games at yard sales, thrift stores or purchase new ones from the discount store.

Here are the steps.

• Take the holders from the game and paint them your favorite color or leave them the natural wood color.
• Select tiles from the bag to spell out different words. Each holder will allow for 8 – 9 tiles. Below are some lists of words I created for different gift ideas.
• Use the blank tiles or some of the letters like X or Z that you will not need for your word list and paint them a coordinating color. These will become the end pieces for your words to make them stand out on the holder. The painted tiles can also be used to separate two words on the holder so the tiles stay in place.
• Place the tiles, holder, painted dividing tiles and the word list in a cute bag or container.

Ta Da you are done!

I have these in several places around my home.  This one is in my sewing area. This tiles on the ends are glass tiles I had left over from another project.  They fit just perfectly. 

This Scrabble Tile set is in my living room on the entertainment center.  It is changed regularly with the seasons and décor.  The word on it this Fall is definitely appropriate since the owl sitting behind was carved by my brother.  He made him for my classroom but I just had to leave him at home to enjoy. 

 

  This set is in my dining room and  it also changes often.  It will sometimes spell out the season, give a reminder of things families do together (i.e. Laugh, Smile etc.).  When I spell out Summer my kids are always laughing telling me that we do not need a reminder in Texas that it is Summer.  Maybe next year I should put COLD and we could concentrate on that instead.

 

 

Word List Ideas: (If adding a name to the list be sure to include the tiles to spell it out)

Newly Weds: Marriage Family Beginning Start Love Happy Fun Laugh Enjoy Hope Trust Smile Husband Wife Share Ours Blessed Friends Faithful, the couples Last Name (Letters needed - 1 each B,D,H,J,L,M,O,U,V.W,Y; 2 each A,E,F,G,I,P,R,S,T; 3 each N)

New Baby: Name of baby Blessed Mom Dad Sister Brother Happy Love Joy Fun Baby Laugh Hope Play Enjoy Family Smiles A gift (Letters needed - 1 each A,E,F,G,H,I,J,L,N,O,T,U,V,Y; 2 each B,D,M,P,R,S)

Teacher: Teacher's Name Class Happy Enjoy Fun Smiles Math Science English Recess Lunch Hope Peace Help Teacher (Letters needed - 1 each A,B,F,G,H,I,J,L,M,N,O,R,T,U,Y; 2 each C,E,P,S)

Friend: Friend's name Friend Love Joy Trusted Laugh Fun Share A gift Hope Faithful Smile Happy Joy My friend (Letters needed - 1 each A,B,DEG,H<I,J,L,M,N,O,R,S,U,V,Y; 2 each F,P,T)

General Words: Create Imagine Laugh Fun Smile Happy Family Love Joy Peace Hope Faith Trusted Friend Home (Letters needed - 1 each A,C,D,F,G,H,J,L,M,N,O,R,S,U,V,Y; 2 each E,I,P,T)

Sometimes the best loved gifts are very simple.  These tiles can spell out a constant reminder to those around that they are apart of something special and they are loved.

Quick, go dig around in the back of your game closet and pull out the Scrabble tiles and holders.

Danna

Christmas Countdown - 21 more days!

There is something special about receiving a handwritten note from a friend. Too many times today we opt for the quick email, text message or social media post to keep in touch with friends and family. So, on those rare occasions when you open your mail box (the one at the curb not your computer) and it contains a note it really brightens your day. Electronic messages are not bad, but they can become somewhat routine, leaving out that creative, personal touch. To go even further up the “let me make your day meter” send a note on a handmade note card and watch the smiles grow bigger and bigger.

Handmade note cards are very simple and a ton of fun to create. I usually start with either blank note cards I have purchased or make my own from plain cardstock. There is no shortage of ideas or supplies to embellish your notes with all of the scrapbooking materials available today. But don’t forget to keep in mind using everyday things like old postage stamps, tissue paper, newspapers and yes, even fabric scraps.

When making your notes keep these design ideas in mind:

• Keep the design and embellishments flat if you want to be able to mail the note card.
• Let the color of your cardstock be the background for your note card. This allows the items you selected to embellish with stand out.
• Leave the inside blank so any kind of note can be written.
• A set of 4 – 6 notes is the perfect size.

Below are a few notes I made using stamps, washi tape, and ironed on fabric scraps. Check out the notes and tags I made in the No Scraps Left Behind series .

These were made with my quilting friends in mind.  They are small white notes I purchased and then added washi tape to the bottom and stamped the phrases from a quilting stamp set I have.  The flowers are colored paper cut  with a punch.  The extra detail I added was the thimble stamp on the front of each envelope.  The set has six notes, 3 of each phrase.

 

These notes are the same size as above and from the same set I purchased.  I added fabric scraps (literally) to the front of each card and then stamped the words around the fabric.  The scraps already had Wonder Under adhesive bond on the back so I simply ironed the fabric to the cards.

 

On most of the cards I used the odd shapes that were created from cutting out applique items. On this card I decided to create familiar shapes.  You don't have to stay in the "normal" range of shapes or objects.  Try something outside the box.  You might be amazed at what you create. 

 

These small personal gifts are great for teachers, coworkers, stocking stuffers or just about anyone on your list. Don’t forget to make a set for yourself so you can surprise a friend during the new year with a personal handmade note from you.

 

Danna

Christmas Countdown - 22 more days!

The project today is something everyone can use.  It is a gift for men, women, young or old.  A scarf!  Now in Texas we do not use scarves as much as some areas of the country, but when it is cold outside there is nothing better than a scarf around your neck. 

Do a search for scarf patterns and you will be overwhelmed by the number of patterns you can select from.  Below are a few that I have found fun and easy to make.  The colors, style and length will help determine who will receive the scarf.  For men usually more muted, earthy tones work best.  For children bright colors are in style.  For women and teens it seems to be based on personal taste.

One of my favorite and warmest scarfs is one I made years ago when I taught teenage girls basic sewing.  I created this pattern for them to make something they would use but also to practice the art of stitching a loooooooong straight stitch. 

Fringed Polar Fleece Scarf

We used three pieces of polar fleece.  Stacked them one on top of each other and stitched one long seem down the center.  Once all the pieces were stitched they measured sections 1 inch in width all the way down the scarf on each side of the center seam.  Then the layers were cut stopping about an inch from the center seam.  This creates the fringe.

I found that if you buy the polar fleece blankets that are less than five dollars you can make several scarves for less  than $20.00.  I bought really bright solid colors and had the girls select three different colors for each scarf.  They enjoyed making these and were eager to wear them home even in the 100 degree Texas heat.

Fringe Closeup

Some of the other styles I have made are below.  I have given a brief description of each scarf.  If you are interested in more detailed instructions leave a comment or email me at 2danna.webber@gmail.com, and I will be happy to send you more information.

This scarf is an infinity style.  It is made from strips of a thrift store t-shirt.  The shirt I used was tie dyed.  I made this one at a craft night at church.  Most of the ladies used solid colors and they turned out cute also.  But the tie dyed really gave the scarf an added dimension.











This scarf is made from yarn wrapped around two chairs and then tied about every 10 to 12 inches.

This one is made from a tshirt.  I cut off the top portion and up one side.  I then stamped flowers in a random pattern.  It is not a long scarf but a fun one for warmer weather.

I hope this will spark some ideas for those on your list this year that could use a new scarf.

Danna

(Sorry for the picture placement - I am having trouble getting them to line up)

Christmas Countdown - 23 more days!

Our project today is table runners.  They make great gifts not only for Christmas but any time of the year.  A table runner can be a quilted masterpiece or a simple piece of cloth with an embellishment on the ends. 

This weekend I finished a few Christmas table runners.  The first one is a pattern I have done in the past using a fat eighths fabric package.  This one I cut the same sizes but from my fabric stash.  (I am trying to use up all of my Christmas fabric so I can of course buy some more.)

Fat Eighths Pattern

I wanted a scrappy look with a fair amount of white to it give a bright feel. 

Keyhole Block Front

This pattern is the keyhole block I have used on several projects in the past. (The Gift and The Scotty Dog)
I used all of my Christmas fabrics from my stash. It created a nice scrappy look with lots of red and green.  I might just have to keep this one.

Keyhole Block - Back



I pieced the back to create a simple color block look.  This way you get a two for one table runner.

 

After I created the first two table runners I was talking to a friend and she said she liked a narrow runner.  This allowed for it to be in the center of the table and still have room for plates on each side.  I thought about this and it made perfect sense.  I have always used a runner on a table that was not my dining room table.  So it did not occur to me that a narrow one would be necessary.  Here is the narrow runner I made.

 

  It measures approximately 11 1/2 inches wide.  I used the subway tile brick pattern with only three fabrics.  The multi colored fabric with the black background was a small piece I had in my stash.  I added a green tone on tone and a red tone on tone fabric to accompany the small piece.  Only using three fabrics seems to make a bolder statement. 

When I added the simple black border it really made all of the colors pop!  I think this would be a great pattern to use for a baby quilt. For the back I did not have enough of the multi colored fabric so I only used the red and green with a tiny strip of black on each end.  This once again gives you a two for one runner.

 

With 23 days until Christmas you still have time to create a table runner for someone on your list, or for your own home.

 

Danna

 

 



Christmas Countdown

Well, December is here ready or not.  Over the next few weeks I will be posting some Christmas gift ideas I am either doing this year or have done in the past.  Hopefully, this countdown will provide you some last minute gift ideas you can use.

The first gift idea is Christmas dish towels.  In several previous posts (Dish Towels & More Dish Towels) I showed you several towels I made for Christmas and other holidays.  Over the Thanksgiving holiday I created a few new ones.  Here they are:

I thought this towel needed something very simple.  I chose a plain white cotton crocheted lace and added three green buttons in the center.  This would be a welcome addition to any traditional kitchen.

This towel has three strips of coordinating fabric that I cut with a pinking rotary blade and then stitched around the edges with one of the "fancy" stitches on my machine.  I had originally intended to ruffle these strips but then decided to go a different direction.  The three red buttons on the center strip added one final detail.









Since this towel was a solid red I used a fabric strip that is a little more busy.  These strips are stitched like the ones above.  The star and snowmen button really stand out on the green and add a layer of whimsy.










This towel was the most challenging.  I added a box pleated
edge to the bottom.  I could not remember how to make
 the box pleat so it took me a while and several attempts
to get it right.  To finish the top edge of the pleat I added
 a simple white ribbon.

The last two towels have ruffled strips like the ones in my previous post.  Hopefully these will spark some ideas for quick gifts that anyone can use. 

 

 

Until tomorrow! 

 

Danna