CuTeSt PiN CuShiOn EvEr {tutorial)!

This is such a cute pin cushion. I think I am going to make several of these and put them away for when I might need a go to present. I think any crafty girl would love one of these pin cushions.

Pin Cushion Supplies:

6 different wool scraps

*2 - 7 1/2 inch circles (top and bottom)

*3 - 1 x 8 1/4 inch strips (sides)

*3 - 3 inch circles (flowers)

*3 - 1 inch circles (flower centers)

Crushed walnut shell (you can find this at a pet store for the bottom of cages)

ric rac scraps

sewing machine

To get started cut out all of you pieces. **I am writing the tutorial to make the flowers but you can do all kind of things on top.**

Pin the flower center circle onto the flower circle. Stitch a blanket stitch around the smaller circles edge. Do this to all three flowers. Pin the flowers onto the top wool piece. Blanket stitch around the flower. Sew on the ric rac for the stem.

Leaving a 1/4 hangover start sewing along the edge. (What I mean be hangover is leave a 1/4 inch piece of the piece side before you start stitching). Stitch all the way around leaving a 1/4 inch at the end. (This is where you will fill it).

Start at the same start point except for now you are sewing on the bottom piece. Sew all the way around.

Now turn the cushion inside out. Fill with the crushed walnut shell (using crushed walnut will keep your pins sharp). Tuck the 1/4 inch hangovers into the opening.

Top stitch the opening. You are done. Oh so cute! Doesn't that make you want to start sewing something!

Spookily Easy Tombstones

These tombstones are creepy props but are super easy to make.

Things needed:

Black foamboard (Walmart has them with the posterboard)

Glue Gun

Brown Craft paper

Tombstone Printouts

Tombstones

Brown/cream/white cardstock paper

Black/grey/white/brown paint

Red and black ink pads

First thing you need to do is cut out tombstone shapes with your craft paper. You can get about 2 per foamboard (unless you make a large ones like the Dr. Arcula). Trace the pattern onto the foamboard. Cut out. I like to use a keyhole saw or a drywall saw for this. I am sure you can use an utility knife also.

Next using your hot glue gun make designs on the tombstone. Cracks, drippy blood, RIP, flowers, swirls, etc. are all ideas for the decorations. Let the hot glue dry. Once dry paint the tombstones grey.

Print out the Tombstone fronts onto tan/cream/white cardstock. Get them ready to mount on the tombstone. You can tear the edges or mount on other cardstock. Glue down. I like to use spray adhesive but you could use any paper adhesive.

On a paper plate or other surface place your black, white, grey and brown paint. Now dab your paint brush or foam brush onto diferent colors but do not mix them. You are going for a look that is splotchy. Blot the paint onto different areas of the tombstone be sure to get the edges of the tombstone fronts. Let dry. With your ink pads rub the tops of the hot glue to color them.

To get them to stand up, cut a 2 inch slit into the centered bottom of the tombstone. Cut strips that are 2 inches high and 12 inches long. Insert the strip into the slit and it will stand. To create the graveyard effect place moss around the tombstones and turn on the fogger that you have hidden behind the tombstones.

Bloody Candle

Ok this is a super simple halloween decoration but creepy looking. Take a white pillar candle and drip wax from a maroon candle on the edges (use a little one--make sure it is solid colored). Once the edges are done to your liking cover the top with drips. I told you it was easy (and it is cheap).

Free Halloween Printable

Here is another easy craft for halloween. Print sign on either tan or white cardstock. You will need to cut 1/4 inch off of the top and bottom and 1/2 inch off each side to have it fit an 8 x 10 frame. Tie ribbon on the side and then close up frame.

Happy Halloween Frame *Google Documents uses low resolution to display so you will not see the black polka dots but when you go to print they are there!

Spring Chicks

I sewed these super easy chicks to use on my spring tablescape. I used the drawers as there nests.

Easter Carrots

I got this idea from my neighbor. Thanks Liz. Aren't these carrots cute. I might even eat my veggies if they were this cute! They are super easy to make.

What you need is:

3-5 different orange fat quarter

1 green fat quarter

Twine

Sewing Machine

Rubber Band

Lay your fat quarters on the bias (corner to corner). Lightly sketch a long "V" on it. I cut mine at 3 1/2 inches (folded--total measure across is 7 inches) and 20, 18, and 16 inches long. You can make more if you like just remember odd numbers look better.

Fold the fabric inside out longwise and sew edges leaving the tops open. Turn right sides out and stuff.

Tear strips from the green fat quarter. I made mine 1/2 wide and then cut them in half. Place in the tops of the carrots and stitch closed. Gather all of the green tops and rubberband together. Tie twine around the rubberband. Hang.

Dog-Gone cute kennel pillow

Isn't my puppy dog cute? Ever since we got our dog he loves to sleep in his kennel however, I always put a towel in it for him. I thought it sure would be nice for him to have a pillow to lay on. I think it turned out cute and it seems as though he likes it.

What you need:

Fabric (enough to accomodate the size of your kennel)

Batting ( I used the thicker stiffer type and I double it)

Thread to match fabric

Sewing machine

Patience!!!

Measure the floor of your kennel. Add two inches to both length and width. Cut 2 lengths of fabric to the size you need. Cut the batting a 1/4 inch less than the measurement you need. You can either use one layer of thickness (I used two but it was hard to sew through).

Starting from the bottom-layer the batting, then one piece of fabric right side up. Then lay the next fabric piece wrong side up. Pin the fabric and batting together at the edges. Sew these together batting side up (catching the batting). LEAVE YOURSELF A WIDE ENOUGH OPENING TO FLIP INSIDE OUT (the opening size will depend on the length and width--mine was small but I left a six inch opening to get all of the batting through).

Flip inside out (or is it outside in??) Then pin the opening closed and sew (you can whip stitch if you want but I am lazy and just used my sewing machine). Then stitch a edge around the pillow.

Draw a faint line from opposite corner to opposite corner (both sides making a X). Then find center on the top and bottom and sides (making a +). Stitch on these lines to create the design. This is so the batting does not shift around.

Done! You have yourself a cute kennel pillow!

Altered Soup Can

This is my first attempt at altering a soup can. I did it for a birthday party my daughter was attending. I think I was more excited about the party than my daughter-just so I could do this craft. When I first saw the altered can idea I knew I just had to do one, finally I got the chance. Too cute!

These are the steps:

Take the bottom of a pull top can off with a safety can opener (it will only work with this kind of can opener), leaving the pop top intact. Empty contents. Clean out can and dry. Remove any labels.

Measure the length and width of can. Cut out desired papers to use to wrap around can. I used glue dots to hold in place. They held better than regular scrapbook tape.

Place contents inside the can. Replace bottom on can. I used super glue hold the bottom in place (use sparingly). Put a bow on top to decorate the lid. When the person is ready to open the gift they will have to "pop" open the can to get the contents out.