TEA BAG HOLDER BOX

I had abandoned this blog in favor on Pinterest, but have so many pins that it is hard to find a project when I decide I want to make something and I have decided to start posting here again on some projects I know I want to make within the next year.

I love this tea bag holder box and it is made primarily of something I have on hand or can get for free:  Cardboard.   It is put together with glue and strategy along with decorative paper, some type of glue, and a bit of ribbon. to tie it shut.

Vintage Cardigan to Jumper

Photo:  source

A Beautiful Mess has a tutorial on turning a vintage sweater into a jumper by cutting off right under the sleeves and turning the sleeves into the straps.  As it is a little shorter than I prefer, I will be on the lookout for a super larger/extra tall mens cardigan to try this on because it does look super cute.

For the tutorial, click here.

DIY MOD PODGE

As Modge Podge is used in all types of crafts, I found a tutorial over at Instructables user nkeda14 on how to make cheap homemade Modge Podge interesting and something to try some time.

It sound fairly simple; just combine 1 1/2 c flour, 1/4 C of a sugar, 1/4 of oil (veg or olive) and 1 cup water over low to medium heat 5-10 mins stirring constantly, without bringing to a boil until the desired consistency is obtained,, adding flour or water as need or oil if looking for a higher varnish and store in a glass jar. 
I don't know what the shelf life on this might be so if I try it, I would halve the recipe and try it on a small project.

DIY ALTERED WASTEBASKET "OUTBOX"

I love this DIY'ed "Outbox" crafted using a plastic waste basket, an old book, glue and Modge Podge and some Scrabble tiles by Toad In A Boat and one I want to try some time as it turns something functional into something artistic as well.

For instructions click here



Photo by Toad In A Boat

Homemade Cadury Creme Eggs

One of the blogs I follow, From Glitter To Gumdrops has a very tempting recipe for Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs that sounds very doable.

For the recipe, click here.

Photo:   From Glitter To Gumdrops

DIY JEWELRY DISPLAY FROM PAPER TOWEL TUBES.

This fabulous idea is from Blah to Tada! and is unbelievably made from empty paper towel tubes you then cover in felt. What a great way to upcycle paper towel tube into something useful!

For the tutorial visit  Blah to Tada!

Photo:  Blah to Tada!

Thrifty Decor Chick: Make a sofa table for under $20. (For real.)

http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/04/make-sofa-table-for-under-20-for-real.html
This would be great to make and put behind the couch Kyle uses, as the seems to think the area behind the couch is his closet and throws all his clothes behind it - building this would deter this.

I would probably make mine with more depth and store my Christmas bear collection underneath and put a lamp of two on the back as he does his homework on the couch (despite having a perfectly well lit desk in his room).

I showed it to Marv and he said this should be doable for under $20. I volunteered to work part of Memorial Day at work - maybe I can volunteer a few more hours to cover the cost as I really like this idea.

DIY Buttons **Accomplished a Singeleton Button***

As buttons run a dollar or more for a few, I have been on the prowl for different ideas to make my own. Here are some

DORSET BUTTONS
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42688/how-to-make-dorset-buttons
from the above link
"The Dorset button has a long history, originating in the 18th century in Dorset, England. Originally, they were made on a disc cut from the horn of a Dorset Horn sheep, which was covered with needle-worked thread. Later, button makers began using metal rings as the basis for these buttons. We're going to make a simple form of Dorset button called a crosswheel, but there are lots of different styles, some of them involving intricate weaving. Once you have these basics down, experiment—the British Button Society offers some inspiration"

The basic concept is it is made from a plastic bone rings and either yarn or embroidery floss wrapped around the ring and made into a design. The design featured looks like a spoked wheel.

SINGLETON BUTTONS
Here is tutorial on how to make Singleton buttons
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42746/how-to-make-singleton-buttons.
The site indicates this is a type of dorset button. In looking it over the difference in the above is that the basic concept seems to be making a fabric yoyo around a plastic bone ring; will involve a lot of hand sewing and will be tedious and time consuming, but doable.

Instead of buying bone rings for either of the above though, think I will look around the house at what I can find to recycle that is similar.

POLYMER CLAY BUTTONS
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42746/how-to-make-singleton-buttons
The basic concept is rolling the clay flat, then using something small and circular (like a spool of thread) and to make it textured by using another button and pressing it into the clay or even making a design with a fork.

You can also make them with more than one color by rolling the center into a cane then wrapping another layer around it.

Next time I find Fimo or Sculpey clay on sale, I will buy some and give this a whirl.

****ACCOMPLISHED***

I made a Singleton Dorset buttons to use for Craftster's April craft challenge and the buttons were used as the center to flowers on facinators

http://craftsandcreationswithkathy.blogspot.com/2009/04/diy-fabric-buttons.html