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Below you will see how to make: Personalized Hand Sanitizers Storing your Boots Wrapped Letters Shredded T-Shirt Christmas Photo Tags Photos on Metal Photos on Wood Removable Snap On & Off Lace Shorts Dinner Menu Board Stamped Coasters from Bathroom Tiles Photo Magnets from Glass Gems or Marbles Sticky Notes Clipboard from Coasters Jewelry Holder out of Frame Quick Poodle Skirt Personalized Hand Sanitizers What you’ll need: Bath & Body Works hand sanitizers Label Template Color Printer Glue Ribbons My mother-in-law and I were helping with a bridal shower and so we wanted to give out favors that would be cute but something people would ACTUALLY use. And who doesn't LOVE Bath and Body Works. 1. The first part is to make your template. I found the template at this website…it does cost a few bucks but I'm planning on using these suckers for many events like Teacher Appreciation, Baby Showers, Christmas…just about any chance I get! Then I went online and searched free digital scrapbook paper to create my labels on photoshop. Here are a few sites l liked. -http://www.shabbyprincess.com/ -http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/ -http://freedigitalscrapbooking.com/ If you are new to digital scrapbooking…here's a free video tutorial for beginners. 2. Next, you'll peel off the existing label. 3. Put some good 'ol Elmer's Glue on the bottle. 4. Using your finger, rub the glue over the surface to make sure there is an even amount of glue. 5. Carefully place your new personalized label onto the bottle. Let it dry for about 30 minutes. 6. If you have any glue around the edges, use your fingernail to remove any residue or an X-acto blade. Then add cute ribbons to make them look extra fancy :-) Storing your Boots What you’ll need: Pool Noodle (I got mine at the Dollar Tree!) Sharp knife Alright, so now you have the perfect knee high boots and you want them to stay looking great. Here's how to inexpensively keep them from slouching. Be sure to raid your Dollar Tree for these noodles…I've seen them for unto 6 bucks each at other places. First place the noodle inside your boot to see how long you'll want it. Then slice the noodle with a sharp knife. You'll want to make 2 of course. Voila…so much nicer and better for your boots! Wrapped Letters with Scrapbook Paper What you’ll need: Scrapbook paper. You can use 3-6 different kinds that look cute together Chipboard Letter Mod Podge and sponge applicator Wax paper Pencil X-acto knife Ruler Bows/ribbons and other embellishments Photos are optional Randomly glue scrapbook paper with the Mod Podge onto the letter. I like that some would literally wrap around the chipboard. In order not to have paper hang off, I would mark points with a pencil and use an x-acto knife to cut off any excess paper with a ruler. Keep slapping some scrapbook paper all over...you can also mark off where you want the pieces of paper with a pencil...don't worry, you wont see the pencil marks on the chipboard. Once you're done, seal it with a thin even layer of Mod Podge over wax paper. When it's all dry (I waited overnight) you can add ribbons, photos or any cute embellishments! Shredded T-Shirt Really, the instruction are pretty simple on this one. But if you are picky like me you like to do it nice and neat. First, I cut the neck line and the sleeves as close to the seam as possible. Make your cuts nice and clean so there are no frays. Then, very importantly, I turned it inside out so that I can make my pencil marks. I folded the shirt in half. I wanted a tapered look but you could do all the same size or I might reverse my taper on the next one. I made a guide line using a pencil, you could also use chalk if you are cutting a dark shirt. I then used a ruler to make the horizontal lines. To make them super straight, just flip the ruler after each line. It's a good idea to try on the shirt before cutting to see where you want you top and bottom cuts to begin/end. Your eyes can fool you so this is a great tip! Notice that the markings stopped a little higher, I didn't realize how long I made the tapered line. Important to try it on BEFORE CUTTING! Be careful how it's folded...you just want to cut the back part of your shirt. I used fabric scissors that were sharp so that I get clean cuts. Now CUT AWAY!!! When you're done, tug a bit on the shirt from the sides...VIOLA, YOU'RE DONE!!! So throw it on the next time you go to the gym, go for a jog or work on your house, ha! Christmas Photo Tags What you’ll need: Scrapbook paper for the frame. I love the shiny, metallic ones. Scrapbook cardstock paper for the card part. I use plain or metallic white. Photos Scrapbooking glue X-acto knife Pencil Ruler Bows/ribbons TIPS: Make multiples at one time. I like to buy the scrapbook paper to match my wrapping paper. Preparing the Photos You might be wondering how I have these pictures so small. When I initially started making these a few years ago, I would PhotoShop each one individually and had to print them out several times to assure appropriate sizes. Then I remembered that CVS Pharmacy has this awesome mini-collage option that I use all the time for my class. Basically you can print 4 perfect sized pictures onto one 4X6 photo for about 29¢ each print (less than 8¢ each individual picture). Unfortunately, I’ve found that I can only order them at the store’s kiosk and not online but no biggie. When you go to the Kodak kiosk, select the Collages option and then select the Mini-Collages. Check out my Photo Magnets for my info below. 1. First, cut your scrapbook paper to rectangles, I cut them to be about 3.5"x3" 2. On the back, I marked from each side two dots so that I can connect them to make even straight lines. 3. After making the lines, use an X-acto knife to carefully make clean cuts. They should like like this when you finished cutting the frame. 4. Next, you'll cut the white cardstock paper. Since you will fold it, make sure it is twice as long. I made mine 3.5"x6". 5. Fold in half and create a nice crease with your finger nail. 6. Place scrapbook glue on 3 sides. The other side will be open so that you can slide in your picture. Scrapbook glue prevents paper from wrinkling. 7. Place the card onto the frame and hold for about a minute. 8. With your ribbon, make a bow and glue it. The scrapbook glue will work fine. 9. Optionally, you can stamp a message inside. I bought this on clearance a while back at JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby...I can't remember :-) 10. Hole punch a hole and thread in a ribbon. 11. Ta da...you're done!!!! Just add a memorable photo of the person you're giving the gift to. They will love it and be surprised. It tickles my heart when I see that the people I give them to keeps the picture and I'll see them on their refrigerator, on their dresser or desk. It definitely adds a special touch. Photos on Metal How cool would it be to have photos on metal!!! I honestly thought it wasn’t going to work since it’s not really porous but I thought, “What the heck…I’ll give it a try.” I was just trying to find another reason to use it to justify buying the Gel Medium so I wanted to see if this would work...and it did! The metal shingle was only 33 cents. Yup, I’ll repeat it…only 33₵!!! Now you can do this on anything metal, like a paint can or a metal plate. Here’s my break down on how I made the very first Photo on Metal. Enjoy! What you’ll need: Gel Medium (bought from craft store in the acrylic paint section) Foam brush Photos printed from laser printer like Xerox machine (inkjet won’t work) I printed my colored ones at Kinkos. Use regular paper, not photo paper! Metal Shingle from Home Depot (sold in the roofing aisle) Did I mention it’s only 33 cents! Hehehe Here's a link from Home Depot website. http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Roofing-Gutters-Roofing-Flashing/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqp7Z12kx/R-100319797/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UGTgCrJlTy0 1. First you’ll want to mirror your photos on your computer since it’ll transfer in reverse (especially if it’ll have words on them.) Be sure NOT to use photo paper…just use regular cheap copier paper when printing. I just saved my pictures on a flash drive, took them to a copy center like Kinkos/Staples/Office Depot and they printed them out for me rather inexpensively. I printed two photos to a page to save a couple of cents. 2. Make sure your metal shingle is clean with no oily residue. Cut your photo to fit on one of the sides of the metal shingle. 3. Spread a layer of Gel Medium onto the shingle nice and evenly. Make sure it’s not too thin of a layer but not too thick either. 4. Carefully place the photo paper starting at one end and smoothing it out little by little with your finger to avoid bubbles. Go over the paper with your finger numerous times to make sure it’s on there well but don’t use something to blunt…your finger will just fine. 5. Now the waiting game! Wait 24 hours so that it’ll dry completely. 6. Once it’s dry, dampen the paper, I reused my clean foam brush. You don’t have to drench it but it you’ll notice where it’s getting wet. 7. Start rubbing! In a circular motion, gently rub off the paper using your fingertips. Once you think you’re done, let it dry for a few minutes and check. Repeat the rubbing anywhere where there is any white residue. This might take 3-4 times. 8. You can add some stressed markings by scratching the edges with your finger nail. Start slowly with small scratches along the edges and corners. 9. Now, step back and admire your cool project. You can add Modge Podge to seal it or to make it glossy if you want. ****These shingles are perfect…they prop up all by themselves. I was even thinking one can use them as place cards. This is a picture of my sister’s cute feline that I got from her facebook and I thought it would be a great gift for her as part of her birthday. They do sell rolls of metal sheets at Home Depot that I think I’m going to get now that I know it works so I can make my Christmas cards…thought it would be cute to send those out! I wish there was a way to share how everyone’s turns out on my blog. Have fun! Photos on Wood I like easy projects...and this is definitely one of them! I can't believe this Gel Medium is like MAGIC. I have no idea how it works but it sure leaves my wood looking pretty cool. Make some for you and for presents, they come out looking unique and special. I really do go into a lot of detail with my directions so don't get discouraged...it's really simple! I just like to give out extra tips I guess. I actually used this tutorial and it helped me out. I wasn't sure if colored copies would work so I decided to try and it worked marvelously. What you’ll need: Untreated wood board/block (these are from Walmart for $1 in craft dept. Gel Medium (bought at craft store in the acrylic paints section) Photos printed from laser printer (don't use inkjet printer and use regular paper, not photo paper!) Brush Rag or sponge Modge Podge or finishing varnish Ok...please note that when I made these, I made 5 different ones so that's why the pictures below might not be the same wood board...tee hee. I got so excited and they were so easy that I kept making some. 1. First pick out some cute pictures. You’ll want to mirror these images on your computer before you print them. 2. Print on laser printer ONLY! I went to Staples and they printed a set in black and white and a set in color. B&W were about 18₵ and color pages were about 59₵. I just gave them my flash drive at their copy center and asked them to print them two photos to a page. This was the PERFECT size for the wood blocks I bought at Walmart. 3. Cut your photo to fit a little bit smaller than the surface of the wood. 4. Evenly brush the gel medium onto the wood. It doesn’t need a thick layer but make sure it’s applied evenly. 5. Carefully place photo face down on to the wood. 6. Smooth out paper with your hand. You can use a bone tool or credit card but I found that it caused my paper to wrinkle…maybe I was too rough, hehe. 7. Now the waiting game…wait at least 8 hours. I had it dry overnight. 8. Soak your rag or sponge with water and start rubbing off the paper. Use your finger tips to rub the paper off too. This will take some time. Don’t be too rough if you are using a sponge. 9. Let it dry and come back and rub off any paper residue/lint that is left on it. This might take a couple of times. See the paper residue...not done yet! 10. Scrap off hard edges if you want the rustic look. 10. When it’s clean, let it dry completely and apply a clear coat on it. I used Modge Podge. 11. Now enjoy! Add a cute ribbon for hanging Removable Snap On & Off Lace Shorts You know you've been wanting some lace shorts. Here's my how-to so that you can have convertible shorts :-) Just snap them in when you want to have the lace and snap them off when you don't! Awesome, right? Now you can wear your shorts with or without lace. Very cute and you don't have to give-up your favorite pair of shorts. Two different looks! What You'll Need: -shorts -cute lace (1.5yds should be plenty) -Sew On Snap Fasteners (I bought these at Walmart for $2.35) -needle and thread to match threading on shorts -safety pins -scissors 1. First pin the lace around the inner side of your shorts so that you'll get a good idea how it'll look and how long your lace should be. This lace I used was wide so I decided to just have half of the lace showing. 2. Start from the inner seam of the shorts. I made sure to overlap the lace about an inch. Sew on the female snap onto the lace by hand with the needle and thread. 3. Match up where it'll lay on the shorts and sew on the male snap. It'll be a good idea to use the same color thread used on the short's seam so that it will not be noticeable but I didn't have the golden yellow denim thread on hand so I just made sure to sew the snaps on the seam so no one can see my stitching. You won't be able to tell at all if you make the stitching itty bitty. Sew on the seam as shown above. 4. Do this every 3-4 inches all the way around for each leg. 5. Now you have shorts that can be worn with or without lace...SCORE! Dinner Menu Board First off, let me just say that there’s no incorrect way of making one, but I know I always like ideas and guidance. I’ll try to make this brief and simple.For more detailed instructions, visit my google docs that I made. I didn't have enought room on my blog to post it all :-P https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HOl0jj_v07IFEgo8ftPp6gF896z9wfU_JhGXWZkUdj4/edi Supplies that I used: -Foam board. This is very light but has good support. I got mine at the wonderful Dollar Tree J -Coordinating scrapbook paper (3-5 sheets) -Clothespins. I used the mini-clothespins bought from JoAnn Fabrics so that it didn’t look so bulky. -Glue stick or any wrinkle-free glue -Hot glue gun -Exacto knife -Computer and printer -List of your meals -Extra Fine Sharpie -Magnets or Ribbons for hanging -Ribbons, raffia, and embellishments 1.First cut your board to the size you want. Use an Exacto knife, not scissors on Foam Board. 2. Decide how you want your layout and the paper that you want for your back ground. I used 3 sheets as you can tell. Cut the sheets so that at least 1 inch will hang over. 3. Use wrinkle-free glue on the part that will be shown in the front. Align to the foam board. Now I did use Tacky Glue on the sides that would be hidden. 4. Glue ribbon if desired to use where sheets meet on the front. 5. Now you want to make your pockets. These are like the old school Library pockets.Template: http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/library.htm. Glue tabs to create library pockets. Add any ribbons, raffia or embellishments onto the pockets. 6. Meal Cards: Print out a draft of your meal cards. I also put the ingredients needed underneath that way I can take the card to the store and not forget anything (crossing my fingers.) 7. If you want some new fonts, there’s a website that gives free fonts that I absolutely love. They also give directions on how to install the fonts onto your computer. Just an idea though. http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/freescrapbookfonts/ 8. Choose which paper you want to print the meal cards on, make sure it’s light colored and not too busy. Cut the paper to be 8.5”x11” so that it’ll fit into your printer. Print with correct side up and cut. 9. Now make your title. This is where I used the cool new fonts. I don’t have a Cricut but I wanted to have it scalloped shaped. http://www.wtv-zone.com/Kitkat3l/Numbers_Templates/scallop_frame_template.jpg. Print a draft, cut paper to 8.5"x11" and print. 10. Distress edges if desired and then glue title onto board with Tacky Glue. 11. Glue pockets with Tacky Glue 12. Stain clothespins if desired. Write days on the pins and hot glue the clothespins onto board. 13. Add buttons, ribbons, etc. 14. Hot glue magnets onto back if you're it's going on fridge or carefully punch wholes and tie a cute ribbon. Enjoy! Stamped Coasters from Bathroom Tiles I think my favorite phrase when it comes down to crafts is “CHEAP AND EASY.” So a few Christmases ago, I received a cute coaster from a friend. I thought it was SOO cute! When she told me she used bathroom tiles, I was like, nuh uh! These tiles cost me $3.97 for a pack of 9, which could give me enough for two gift sets. Here’s my HOW TO on these cheap and easy personalized coasters. What you’ll need: Tumbled Stone 4in. Tiles (I bought some both at Home Depot and Lowe’s) Staz-On permanent ink (I used it in Timber Brown.) This ink will not come off when the drink condensates. Stamps Minwax Finishing Wax (it's a sealer, also can be found at Home Depot) Felt Adhesive Pads (I’ve seen some at the Dollar Tree but can also be found at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Craft Stores) 1. First you’ll want to wipe off each side of the tile to remove any dust/powder. Since these are from natural stones, they will each be different and some will be more porous than others. I didn’t use the porous ones. You’ll want the bottom to be clean so that the felt pads will adhere well. 2. If you are using clear stamps, be sure it’s placed firmly on the acrylic block. I bought clear stamps for the first time ever for these and I’m so glad I did. It lets you see where exactly you are about to stamp and assures no overlapping on my designs. Regular rubber stamps work just as good too. 3. Evenly dab the stamp onto the Staz-On ink pad. 4. Carefully press onto the clean tile. Make sure you press firmly. I added onto these scrolls and also put initials on these since they’ll be a gift. 5. Use cheesecloth or a clean rag for the Minwax. A little goes a long way. Do not apply on the bottom but make sure you get the top and sides evenly. 6. Finally, add the felt pads on the bottom at each corner. Make sure you press firmly since it might be porous. Now you’re done! Make some for yourself and some for gifts like housewarming and wedding gifts. I made so many of these this past Christmas that I had an assembly line :-) You can tie up four coasters with a cute bow and maybe a little note or trinket and you’ll have a great gift to give. Enjoy! Photo Magnets from Glass Gems or Marbles So, I love love LOVE to take pictures. I started making these to display some of my favs on our fridge. When I love something, I like nothing more but to share it---so now I make these as gifts too. Here’s how I made these cheap and easy photo magnets. What you’ll need: Glass Jumbo Clear Gems (I found some at Jo-Ann’s and Michaels but the Dollar Tree had some small ones that aren’t too bad…a few of the marbles were cracked out of the whole bag but not bad for a buck) Aleene’s® Glass and Bead™ Adhesive or Clear Gel Tacky Glue Photos Magnets (I bought these a long time ago at Walmart but you can find them at craft stores also) Scissors Pencil Toothpicks (optional) Preparing the Photos You might be wondering how I have these pictures so small. When I initially started making these a few years ago, I would PhotoShop each one individually and had to print them out several times to assure appropriate sizes. Then I remembered that CVS Pharmacy has this awesome mini-collage option that I use all the time for my class. Basically you can print 9 pictures onto one 4X6 photo. There you go, perfect size for the jumbo sized gems for about 29¢. Unfortunately, I’ve found that I can only order them at the store’s kiosk and not online but no biggie. When you go to the Kodak kiosk, select the Collages option and then select the Mini-Collages. Make sure the object/person in the photo is in the middle, you will be cutting a circle out of the itty bitty rectangles. 4x6 print with 9 Mini Prints From the Collages, select Mini-Prints So now that you have your pictures printed here’s what I did: First, fish through the gems and pick ones that do not have any cracks or that are starred. I know some have an iridescent look but those are kind of hard to see through so I don’t like using those. Next, place the gem on top of your picture and trace the gem as close as possible using your pencil. Carefully cut around your markings, I made sure to cut inside my line so it wouldn’t hang off. Then, you will want to place the glue directly onto the back of the gem, I have used this adhesive that’s especially for glass but I also like the Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue. When I notice that the glue is getting to thick or old, I’ll put them in a cup of hot water before I use it to soften them up so it’ll be easier to spread and it will minimize the bubbling also. Just a suggestion :-) I spread it with my finger or a toothpick, the key is to make sure to have an even layer so that you have not bubbles…I hate bubbles on these. Carefully place the gem onto the photo. Be sure to PRESS FIRMLY onto the photo…again, so that there will not be any bubbles. I basically was putting all my weight on these little boogers. Some adhesive will run off, just wipe them off. Try to work off as many bubbles by pressing firmly. Show your strength, be firm!!! Now use some Tacky Glue on the back for the magnet, you’ll want to put enough so that it’ll barely spills out from under the magnet. Now you’re done…just make sure to wait til it’s completely dry before you hang it up or else it’ll slip off the magnet. Enjoy these cute magnets and make some for your friends and family…they’ll love the personal thought. Sticky Notes Clipboard from Coasters I love, love, LOVE to make cute things out of cheap (sometimes FREE) things around the house. I saw on Pinterest these adorable coasters made from restaurant coasters. What a great idea. I thought these would be cute gifts to give to co-workers, my favorite nurse at my doctor’s office, and whoever. Here’s my step-by-step method of making them. You can always add more embellishments to them to make them cute…the possibilities are endless. What you’ll need: -Restaurant coasters from places like On the Border, Chili’s, etc. (just ask for them, they gave me a hand full) -Scrapbook paper -Elmers glue or Tacky glue -Binder clips (these came in different colors from Staples) -Ink to do distressed edges (I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Walnut) -Foam ink applicator -Ribbons & embellishments First, choose your choice of scrapbook paper. I used two coordinating pieces so that I can do one on each side. You’ll want to then trace the coaster onto the back side of the scrapbook paper and then cut carefully. I had to cut just inside my line I drew so that it wouldn’t hang off the edges. Next you want to place glue on the coaster evenly. Make sure you get right up to the edges to prevent lifting. I kind of spiraled around the coaster and used my finger to spread the glue as you can see in the pictures. Carefully place the paper onto the coaster. Make sure you then press out all the bubbles, I used a credit card. Do this on both sides of the coaster. Be careful not to but too much glue because it’ll make the coaster warp a bit. If you notice this, just place a heavy book on top of it until it dries completely. Optionally, you can ink the edges. This paper I picked looks good with inked edges but you don’t have to. Start with SMALL strokes. It’s easier to add more if you think you need more later. As you can tell in the picture, I only ink on one side of the foam applicator. Just dab once or twice lightly. Then start off just going side to side on the very edge of the coaster. ALWAYS start from the edge, not from the middle of the paper. Once you get a little comfortable on the inking, SOFTLY drag the foam applicator starting from the edge and with short small strokes. I like my corners dark so I gave it at least 3 passovers on the corners. Do this to both sides and let dry for about 30 minutes. I didn't put any Modge Podge but someone recommended so, but this is optional once it's completely dried. Next, dress up you binder clip. You can add ribbons, embellishments, or even glue some of the scrapbook paper on to the binder clip so it’ll match. Here I just tied strips of ribbon in to knots one on top of the other. Now all you need is your post it note. But how about a writing utensil to go with it. If you use the clear barrel pens, pull out the tip and roll a piece of scrapbook paper and insert it inside the barrel to match the clipboard. Now it’s ready to give away…that’s the best part! I hope you enjoy this tutorial, I’m a beginner with all this so let me know if I’m missing something. Enjoy :-) Jewelry Holder out of Frame - Cute and Easy Ok, so this is my very first blog for one of my projects I've done. I really appreciate people who give me step by step instructions so hopefully this will be useful for some! First off, you need to start off with the right kind of picture frame. Look for one that has the sliding backing, not the ones that have the hinges that rotate into place. I picked this scrolly frame from Jo-Ann because the scroll work allowed me hang my necklaces and hoops...and it's super cute of course! You will also need a sheet of craft mesh (found at craft stores like JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby or Michaels,) spray paint (if you want to change the color of the mesh,) ribbon of your choice, scissors, safety wire and wire cutters. To start, you'll want to remove the glass from the frame, luckily my frame was on clearance since the glass was cracked, YAY! Then you'll want to paint the mesh if needed. They come in many colors so you might find one that comes in a color that works for you and your decor. I just laid down some newspaper and gave it two good coats of black, the brown was too light for me :-) Once the craft mesh dried, I trimmed it to fit my frame. Be sure not to over trim...if you cut too much it will come out of the slots. I also had to place safety wire, like picture frame wire, to tie the mesh to the top to support it. If not the mesh would stick out. I used wire cutters to trim off the extra wire. Then all you need is a cute ribbon to finish it off and, viola! You now have a functional but cute jewelry holder. I even put some of my headbands on them, hehehe. Enjoy! I hope you find this useful and maybe I'll add some more of my ideas and projects. Quick and Easy Poodle Skirt So here’s a way to make a super cute Poodle Skirt when you are short on time. I’m an amateur when it comes to sewing but I can do basic stitches so this tutorial should help beginners also. What you’ll need: -2 yards of felt fabric -elastic -thread to match fabric -poodle appliqué -ribbon -pencil -bobby pin -fabric glue or Tacky glue First off, when you get your fabric, it already comes folded in half, you will need to fold it again to be in fourths. Then, you will want to use the inner corner (where it’s folded) as your inner radius point. I wanted to make my skirt just below my knees and so I measure from the inner corner 27 inches.You can use a ribbon or yarn to make your markings by pinning it to the inner corner and drag your pencil from one end to the other as shown. Cut carefully for a clean edge. I pinned the ribbon to the center of the circle, where the creases meet. Add about 6in. to desired length. ***Remember*** You will take out some length when you make the whole for the waist. Measure your desired length and add about 6 inches to it for the inner cutting. Next you will want to create the markings for the waist. This part is a little tricky, your cut will need to be significantly smaller than what you really think. It’s better to start small and cut more later if needed. I am a size small and I made my inner markings about 6 inches but I wished I would have done it smaller, like 4 inches. I know it sounds itty bitty but you’ll see when you cut it. Measure your elastic. I used what I had on hand, it’s less than ½” wide. Measure around your waist and make it about 1 to 2” smaller to fit a little snug but comfortably. If you want to have a specific side, have fabric to have the reverse side out. Fold over the edge around the waist just enough to feed in the elastic. Sew at carefully leaving a 3 inch opening to later feed in the elastic. The seam will be hidden since this is the reverse side. Next, poke a bobby pin through one end of your elastic. Feed into the opening and sew the ends together over and over. Sew the 3 inch opening. I didn’t need to sew the bottom of the skirt but some might want to. Position and follow instructions for Poodle appliqué. (I had to iron my “patch” for about 40 seconds, the felt is very fibery) Place the ribbon where you want it and hold in place with pins. (I tried it on and checked in the mirror to see if I liked the placement.) Lastly, glue the ribbon onto fabric in sections starting with the end touching the poodle appliqué. Viola!!! You are done! Just wait for it to dry and you are good to go. Enjoy!

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2. Make a Scarflette4. Make Wine Bottle Covers6. Make Socks8. Make Coffee Cup Wraps10. Make a Headband12. Make a Lamp14. Make Open Mittens16. Make Drink Cozies18. Make a Sweater Pillow20. Make Christmas StockingsFollow Surviving The Stores on Facebook for more fun and FRUGAL ideas!And be sure to FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST to see all of the other fun things I find!

Remember my post long, long ago, Do You Know Your ABC’s? Well, for one of the pages, I made a scratch -off section on it, because my husband loves scratch-off tickets. It’s super, super…

129 Mom blog post ideas to inspire your creativity when you need to write fresh content for your blog. Ideas for all kinds of Mom bloggers.

So the weather is starting to get cold and it’s time to bring out the hot packs in my house! I have several hot packs in various shapes and sizes for warming me up or soothing sore muscles over the winter. I also love to gift hot/cold packs. It is just something everyone can use! […]

Hello everyone!I’ve got a new plush pattern I’ve added to my shop! This time last year I released my Long Dragon Plush pattern, and ever since then I’ve had it in my mind to try a…

Are you looking for a fun interactive science fair project?Come check out this Simple Circuit Science Project! It can be done as a class project too!

Here’s an overview of the various creative gadgets for the elderly living alone. I have listed some assistive devices for the elderly and traditional Here’s an overview of the various creative gadgets for elderly living alone. I have listed some assistive devices for elderly and traditional elder care equipment that allows your loved one live independently.

Learn about the earth as you create these fun LEGO projects all related to the environment!

How is your holiday sewing coming along? Are you making dresses for your little ones? I shared Addison's Christmas dress a couple weeks ago. Here's a sneaky peek of one of my other dresses.... Today,

My 12-week-old is my parents' first grandchild. They are nuts over him. Especially my mom. She is just the nuttiest grandma you can imagine-...

This list of hobbies for adults is geared towards creative activities that tend to be popular among both men and women.

Need a fun date night idea, Valentine's Day Gift Idea or just a fun game for you and your significant other? Try this DIY Game Of Love for a little twist!

DIY microwaveable heat packs.

To make beautiful geodes in your own kitchen you need more patience and time than anything else! Here is the basic recipe to start you off in the world of beautiful geodes.

Transferring photos onto just about any surface such as wood, metal, glass, terra cotta and even fabric has become a popular craft projects. It is a pretty cool and cheap way to get your favorite p…

If you'd like to give a more personal, meaningful, special gift to your toddler or preschooler, this list of handmade gifts for toddlers has the answer!

You probably know the scratch off lottery tickets? Ever wondered how to make them? Well, they are very fun & easy to make. I used to make gr...

I love how this turned out. I followed this tutorial found HERE. Total Cost: $16.74

Love fresh chicken noodle soup but in a hurry? This recipe tastes like it's made from scratch, but it's really made in minutes!

*This post is part of our Real Design Series collaboration with Lowe’s. It’s all about DIY home projects and ideas that actually work in real life, with a real family… not just on…

If you have an old cookie sheet lying around, you're going to want to see these brilliant ideas.

You will be SO happy to discover this awesome technique, and all the beautiful things you could make for your home!

My 12-week-old is my parents' first grandchild. They are nuts over him. Especially my mom. She is just the nuttiest grandma you can imagine-- all goo goo and gah gah, if you know what I mean. It's cute.. I love watching her with my Little Bear :) So, for Christmas, I knew I had to give her a large picture of the little guy. Getting photos printed on canvas isn't expensive these days, but when I saw this tutorial for transferring pictures to a wood block on Pinterest, I knew I had to try it. I wasn't quite sure how it would turn out-- but I can't resist a cheap DIY project! The tutorial is great, but for whatever reason, I just prefer written instructions rather than videos. Plus, I thought I'd share my experience and write this up in detail. First, here's what you need: A block of wood. I used a few pieces of pine wood I had left over from when we were building our house. My dad laughed at me for being a hoarder.. but he ain't laughing now! I found great use for my wood pieces! ;-) A picture printed with a laser printer. Mirrored, if you want it to look like the original when you're done. Ditzy me forgot about this when I first got these printed.. and it was a bit of a long hassle after that to get it right. Long story short-- I ended up going to the print shop 3 times in one day. Gel medium. I had no idea what this was, and went to the craft store rather hesitantly, unsure where to look for this. I found it in the oil and acrylic paint section. You know, for painting pictures, not walls. I had a 50% off coupon to Michael's, so I scored this for $7. Woot! So take your wood block, and apply the gel medium with a paintbrush or something similar. The key here is to try applying it as evenly as possible... Not too much (makes for lots of obvious bubbles and folds) and not too little (keeps the picture from transferring completely). I didn't always do this, and here's the result: This can make for a cool effect at the picture's edges-- but it wasn't exactly what I was going for on my baby's face. When it's all fairly even, stick the picture, face down, onto the wood. Here comes the crucial part. Even out the bubbles as best you can. The paper gets rather wet and starts to tear if you rub too hard, so this isn't exactly fool-proof.. But I most of mine turned out fine, so I'm sure y'all can do it too. ;-) Now ya gotta be patient and let this dry overnight (or until it's completely dry.. took mine about 5-6 hours). It's a good thing I made these exactly 2 days before Christmas, and had plenty of other things to keep me busy. I'm not too good with the whole patience thing. After all that waiting, here comes the reward: you get to see your artwork! Not before putting some elbow grease in there, though. Grab a wet sponge or rag, and soak your paper. You can probably hold it under running water. I did, but only for a couple of minutes, before I freaked out, and wondered if I was ruining the picture. It looked completely fine to me, But I did not have time on my side, so I couldn't risk ruining these. Rub alllll the pretty paper off with your sponge. It'll take a while. Even when it looks like it's perfectly clean and glossy-- after it dries, you'll see lots of little white specks all over the picture. It took me several rounds of rubbing and cleaning to get it right. Resist the urge to grab a scouring pad. It will scratch your picture. Not that I tried it or anything (who, me?!) All that hard work pays off, though-- in the end, you get to admire your amazing creation. The best part about DIY, isn't it?? If you'd like, you can finish these off with Mod Podge or maybe a wood sealer. I wanted to-- but I was short on time, so I decided to leave them the way they were. I figured they'd be used for decoration, anyway. I don't normally spend much time touching the pictures on my wall. If you do, you should probably give these a durable finish ;-) So here you are.. Simple, pretty, and cheap! My little can of gel medium was enough for about 8-10 8x10 pictures. The wood was free. That makes.. hmm... $0.70 per 8x10?? Hecks yeah! My kinda project! :-D I'm linking this up to: Rae Gun Ramblings Today's Creative Blog Robin's Creative Cottage Home Stories A to Z Tip Junkie Southern Product Queen The Shabby Creek Cottage Blue Cricket Design