Sunday, January 26, 2014

Blog Party Sunday -- Show Off Your Handmades

Welcome to our Blog Party Sunday. We would love to have you show us what you are crafting.

You are allowed to add 3 links to your shops or your blog.

The rules are simple:
1. Follow our blog
2. Handmade items only.
3. You may list up to 3 items each week.
4. Family friendly items only.

The success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the word to your friends, visit the shops,  post about it on your  blog, in a forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and put it on your blog or website.
Just click on the Add Your Link button below and add your items.
And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.






Friday, January 24, 2014

Today's Featured Shop -- Rabbit Hollow Prims


Today's featured shop is Rabbit Hollow Prims.   Susan specializes in primitive dolls and animal dolls.

Primitive Cats, Sadie and Jinx


Primitive Lulu or Jack Rag Stuffed Bunny



Primitive Dottie the Robin


Primitive BeeAtrix Mohair Bee Doll


Be sure and visit Susan's shop to see all she has to offer.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Rabbithollowprims

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Witches Stitches Kids Crafts Finger Puppets


Cold weather is here and kids will be spending more time in the house. I never wanted my kids to spend too much time in front of the TV so I came up with things they can do to keep busy and have fun.

With a little prep work on your part, here is an idea that even your older ones may have fun with. These finger puppets are so easy to make.

Step 1 – Ahead of time get pieces of felt. You can get some felt squares at the craft store and they do not cost much. Now lay your finger down on a piece of paper and trace around it. Best to use your pinky finger if your children are little, use your ring finger if they are a little older.  Cut out the shape and use this for your base pattern. Cut out a bunch of finger shapes and whip stich two pieces together so it fits on their finger. 

Step 2 – Cut out a bunch of little square and circles, for eyes ad noses, cut a long skinny strip and then cut it into little ones to use for a mouth, now cut a little wider strips for arms, some wool for hair, some hat shapes and so on. If the kids are old enough they can cut out shapes themselves too.

Step  3 – Give each child a small dish with some white glue in it. Each child must have their own dish. This way there is no, he has the glue, I want the glue and so on. If you have more than one child you know what I mean.

Step 4 – Give them a bunch of sewn together finger puppet bases and let their imagination run wild. Show them how to glue and they will be doing it in a second. You can suggest themes like aliens, or silly people, or purple people or anything like that.

I have done this with a group of kids, (30 3rd graders), and they were great. They had so much fun. They laugh and play and while they are doing this fun craft, you can run to the sofa and have a hot cup of tea and relax for 10 min. Thanks for reading and if there are any questions give me a shout.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Handmade Spotlight - Handmade Wall Quilts


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Embroidery Hoop Storage Bags

When I have time I like to peruse the now famous Pinterest to look for tutorials that someday when I have time I will try. I came across this one the other day and thought what a great storage idea. You can never have enough storage and these bags are perfect for rooms with limited storage areas. I need to make some of these for my sewing room since it is packed with "stuff". 

So here is how Rachel over at Always A Project Blog makes these bags. When I get time I am definitely going to make some of these. You can stuff all kinds of stuff in them!



                      

For each bag, you will need:

{1} scrap of fabric (14"h x 22" w)
{1} scrap of fabric in a coordinating theme or color (14"h x22" w)
{1} 6" embroidery hoop



Add a layer of fusible interfacing just fora little extra stability.

Take your outside fabric, fold in half lengthwise, and sew a 1/2" seam along the side.



Press your seam open and sew another 1/2" seam along the bottom of your bag.



Trim the corners of your bottom seam.


Open your bag and pinch the bottom corners together.


Sew a seam across the corner to make a boxed bottom. I sewed a 4" seam to create a substantial base to my bag.


Cut the corners off below your seam.



Turn the bag right-side out. This is what the bottom should look like.


Follow the exact same steps for the lining of your bag, but do not turn it right-side out.


Insert your lining into the outer bag and turn a 1/2" hem towards the outside of the bag.


Stitch in place. I used a zigzag stitch for a little more character.


Fold the top down toward the outside approximately 2". Insert the inner ring of your embroidery hoop under the folded edge. Place the outer ring of the embroidery hoop on the outside of the bag, directly over the inner hoop and tighten.


Mount your rod, add one S-hook per bag, and hang in place!




This looks pretty easy and I don't think it would take much time to make them...now....that is the problem...finding the time, but I will figure it out. :)  


Have a great week! :)

Colleen