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Crafts I've Made

Quilting...

This is one of the few quilted projects I've made that I had a handy picture of, but I've done about 4 quilts and several potholders. I very much enjoy piecing the tops together, but the actual quilting part is a bit hard for me to do. I should jsut stick to the smaller projects - potholders and pillows - and actually get some things FINISHED.

I've also made the fleece double-sided blankets - and I love them because they are quick and easy! You can also tie fleece on either side of a pillow form, creating a quick and easy custom fringed pillow.

Memo boards

How to make a message board..

What you need:

Tools:
Drill and bits
Staple gun
Ruler
Pencil

Supplies:
A backing - this can be a piece of wood (anything from pressboard to plywood to real wood, they all have their ups and downs) or a picture frame. I've also found that old push-pin boards work GREAT.
Batting - thickness and number of layers at your discretion. If you do more than one layer, you want the bottom layer(s) to be the exact dimensions of the board. The top layer needs to be large enough to wrap at least an inch around the back on all sides.
Spray Adhesive (optional) - to hold the batting to the board.
Fabric - enough of to wrap around the front and pull at least an inch around the back on all sides. Material for the back, if you choose to cover the back, can be the same or different, but should be large enough to cover the back face WITH a half an inch to an inch hem turned under on all sides.
Ribbon or lace - enough to cover the "pattern" on the front. I suggest between 1/4" to 3/4" wide, depending on the size of the board and the pattern.
Buttons - one for each ribbon crossing point. You may also want to use plain (cheap) buttons to secure the thread on the back. Other things you can use are nails, bits of sturdy, bent wire, safety pins... Basically anything you can wrap some thread around that won't pull through the hole.

Procedure:
Draw out the "pattern" on the board. Drill holes where the lines cross. Wrap batting and front fabric around the front and staple to the back. Wrap ribbon across the front in your pattern, stapling to the back. Sew buttons in places where the ribbons cross, pulling down snuggly through the holes you drilled in the board. Secure on the back with another button, etc. Staple back fabric over the back. Attach hanger. Viola!

Candles and soaps:

I work with both glycerin and grated soaps, and pour home-made candles as well as decorate store-bought pillars.

Doggie (and other pet) stuff...

Pet beds and squeaky toys are a snap to make, and your dog will love you.

I've also made pillows with cedar inside, for natural pest control. You can also make a simple and easy CEDAR SACHET to throw in your pet's existing bed or blanket. They are super easy and worth the time! Not only will it make the bed smell better, but it will help with pest control.

Toys can be made in a variety of shapes and colors, with many different fabrics. I would suggest a durable fur or cordouroy, though, if your dog shells out the kind of abuse mine does. Old jeans also recycle well into tough plush toys!

Key and leash holders that show your love of your pet! Hang this by the door and you'll never have to search for Fido's leash or your house keys - provided you remember to put them BACK on the plaque when you come in.

Another great idea is to put the design and hooks on wall box, giving you a place not only to store keys, but to organize your incoming and outgoing mail.

TREAT TIME!

Premade or mix? Either way your dog will love you for giving him or her home-made goodness.

And don't forget Mr. Fishy this Christmas! Make him feel like part of the family with his own stocking!

Beades and other little crafts:

These beaded bookmarks sold for $6 at Border's - but they're a snap to make. Plus, they are waterproof, so for all of you that read in the bathtub, you no longer have to worry about destroying a bookmark! The book, however, is another matter.

Also, they are convenient to loop over your finger while you're reading, so you always have something on hand to mark your place when you have to jump up suddenly!

I have also beaded some jewelry, but nothing too fancy at this point...

Speaking of books, these hand-made journals are just nifty!

Temari balls, or Japanese thread balls, are one of those crafts that are just neat - but what do you do with them when you're done? Well, they do make lovely Christmas ornaments, or you can stack them in a bowl as a centerpiece. But I just think they're cool. I'm not very advanced as far as what I can do, but I can make some of the simpler designs!

I've also done a TON of plaster and clay Christmas ornaments in a variety of shapes. That's a fun activity to do with the whole family, rather like decorating Easter eggs.

'Wow, that's a lot! WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?' You ask...

Well, it's probably easier to say what I don't do. Which isn't really anything. Now, I'm not saying I do everything WELL, just that I'll give it a whirl. Not pictured here are: tilework, crocheting, knitting, scrapbooking, photography, woodworking, and a host of other things I can't think of right now. I'd go into my craft room to look around, but, well, I can't really get in the door right now. Yeah, guess I should clean it... Then maybe I could take more pictures of all the crap... er, stuff... I've made.

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