Got T-Shirts? Make Some Flowers

I just had to make something with all these t-shirts that were on their way out. I created t-shirt roses and t-shirt chrysanthemums or dahlias. See my tutorial here in my Etsy shop.

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From My Scrap Bag...Half Marble Magnets

I found this bag of clear glass half marbles on the clearance rack and thought, oh goodie, I will make myself some magnets.

Here is how I did it. You will need clear glass half marbles. I don't know if that is the correct name for these or not, but for today they are half marbles.

You need some decoupage glue or other glue that dries clear. I used Mod Podge matte finish. You can also have a gloss finish glue too to give them extra shine.

I didn't really know what was the optimal thing to use on the back-paper or fabric and what kind. So I just experimented. Thin tissue paper or decoupage paper would probably work very well, but I didn't have any of that. So I used decorative paper and cotton fabric.

And then you will need magnets. Whatever size you have is ok so long as they can't be seen from the front.

Make sure your marble is clean and doesn't have bubbles or scratches in it. Put a thin even layer of glue on the flat side of your marble. Lay in on your paper or fabric, making sure your design is centered. Let dry.

Once they are thoroughly dry trim off the extra paper or fabric. Then use more glue on the edges. When this is dry you can add your gloss finish if you used thin paper.

Glue your magnet on the back and you're done! Here are some I did using fabric. And then I glued them on a felt flower and then glued the magnet on the back.

Well the pictures didn't show them off too well. You'll have to trust me that they are cute. I hope you try this.

Valentine Necklace...a tutorial

St.Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but there is still time to make these sweet little necklaces.

What you need are a variety of trims, some ribbon, and some fabric and felt.

Decide on your design. We made 2 to show you here. We chose to make hearts from felt for the pendant part and added a fabric cutout to it. You can adhere your fabric to the felt using a heat 'n bond type product.

We used a grosgrain ribbon "chain". You can finish the ends of the ribbon with fray check or you can heat set it with a lighter. To do this you have to very quickly run the end of the ribbon through the flame to seal it. (Be careful).

We added some little charms to the chain. We made these the same way as the pendant.

I will give you instructions based on the red necklace, but the procedure is the same. Start by deciding on a length of the chain and cut your ribbon about 1" longer.

Cut 2 hearts of felt for the pendant and 1 fabric heart somewhat smaller.  Cut 6 small felt circles for the charms and clasp and 3 fabric pieces for the charm and clasp centers. Pink the edges of the 2 felt hearts.

Find the center of the ribbon and glue to 1 felt heart. Cut a small piece of grosgrain and glue to same felt heart so that it hangs down the bottom of the heart. Glue this piece of ribbon on top of 2 small felt circles.

Glue charm centers to the other 2 felt circles, then glue these to top of the other 2 circles having the ribbon in between them.

We added a small ribbon bow and a tiny little button to the fabric heart. Sew these on. Center fabric heart to the other felt heart and put these on top of the felt heart with the ribbon chain, having ribbon chain between them. Use embroidery thread to attach these hearts using a running straight stitch.

To make a "clasp" fold one end over forming a loop and glue or stitch it to the length. This opening only needs to be as big as the felt circles, or perhaps a tad smaller. Glue felt circle combination to the other end of the ribbon following the same procedure as the charms.

And that's it.

Tuesday Tutorial: Potpourri Tray

Those of you who read my other blog have seen this project already, but I thought I would include it here as well for those who haven't seen it.

What to do with an old picture frame: make a potpourri tray

Acquire an old frame. Take the backing off and remove glass. Wash entire frame and glass.

Prepare the frame surface for painting, you might have to do some sanding . Paint surface with 2 coats paint, I used acrylic paint. Let dry completely between coats. Spray with a sealer if desired.

When completely dry put frame back together. In place of old picture, pick a new one or use a nice piece of scrapbook paper like I did, or fabric. I added a nice and simple ribbon bow, but you can add all sorts of things to make it as done-up as you want.

It is no longer a picture frame, it’s on it’s way to being a tray. So turn your soon-to-be tray over. Use E-6000 glue or hot glue to attach simple drawer knobs at the corners. Make sure it sits well and is not wobbly.

Then add your potpourri. All done!