DIY Heart Pot Holder

Okay so it's been a while since my last post and even longer since my last DIY.  I suppose my craftiness has it's ups and downs as with everything else.  Lately I've been making googly-eyes at some new fabric but I've been reluctant to buy since I'm already hoarding quite a bit of fabric already.  So instead I'm trying to come up with some small projects to use up some the existing fabric...to make room for bigger, better fabrics :)

Anyway, I've been toying with the idea of making a pot holder for a while now, mostly because I don't have one already and I really dislike using the whole oven glove thing...seems like overkill to me...then again I'm sure I won't be thinking that the next time I burn my hand trying to get something out of the oven.  But until then...I made this little heart-shaped pot holder out of some leftover fabric and batting.

Materials:
-fabric (1-3 different types)
-batting (heat resistant recommended)

Start by making a heart-shape pattern for your oven mitt.  You will need to cut 2 hearts out of your batting and 4 out of your fabric (1 front, 1 back, 2 for the 'pockets').

Cut the 2 hearts that will form the pockets in half (sad I know).  With the right sides together, sew along the edge that you just cut.  Flip right side out and press.  You can add batting to these pieces if you want some extra projection, I didn't use any and I think mine work just fine and it reduces the bulk a little bit.

Next baste a piece of batting to the heart shape that will form the 'back' of the mitt, or the part that will be covered up by the pockets.  You can also baste the batting to the 'front' of the mitt, the part that will be touching whatever you're picking up, but I decided to get fancy and do some quilted hearts.  Be sure to follow the directions if you are using heat resistant batting.

Next position the 2 pocket pieces on top of the back of the mitt.  I was originally planning on lining them up exactly but I decided to leave a small space to make it easier to use. 

Now you should have completed the front and back pieces of your oven mitt.  With the right sides together, sew all around the edge leaving a small opening on the side.  Flip right side out and press.  Then slip stitch the opening close.  You can also add some top stitching if your mitt isn't too bulky. 

And that's it!   I've been using mine for a couple weeks now and it's been working out pretty good.  The only thing I dislike about it is the fact that the heat resistant batting always has a crinkling sound when I use it. 

I made the heart lobes a bit too long on my mitt so my fingers don't quite reach all the way to the end.  Which can be a bit annoying if you're trying to do anything that requires any sort of finger dexterity.  Also I would make the spacing a bit bigger between the pockets at the top of the heart.  It just makes it a little easier to use.  Sorry I don't have a picture to show the scale but it's about the size of my hand. 

'Pin'spired Clutch

I found this pin here a little while ago and I really like the idea...but then I couldn't find the actual website/tutorial that it goes to only the image.  So I kinda just made my own. 

Okay, prepare yourselves, this tutorial is quite lengthy compared to what I've been posting!  But the process is really pretty simple and it comes together really quickly.   I can't really remember what measurements I used but I will include my estimates. 

Supplies:
-main fabric
-lining
-interfacing
-velcro, or any type of closure

Start by cutting the circles, you will need 1 piece of interfacing and 2 pieces of lining.  The radius of the circle determines the height of your clutch.   Cut all the circles in half.  The radius of my circles were about 5.5 inches. 

To make the divider, cut a rectangle that has the same length as the diameter of your circles (plus seam allowances).  The width is up to you.  You will need 2 lining and 1 interfacing.  Mine is about 10 inches by 7 inches. 

For the outside, start with the rectangle that is the same size as the divider.  Then add a couple inches in length for the flap.  This is the real reason why I can't remember my measurements, I was making this out of an old pair of shorts so I was trying to see how big I could make it out of one short leg.  You will need 1 interfacing, 1 lining, and 1 main fabric. 

So fuse, sew or otherwise attach your interfacing.   To make the divider, sew along all the edges, right sides together, and leave a small opening.  Clip the corners, flip right side out and press.  I added some top stitching along all the edges just because. 

To make the little clamshell thingies, sew all along the curved edge with the right sides together.  Notch the curved edge, flip right side out and press.   I also top stitched along the curved edge. 

The dots are where you will attach the divider later.  The lines are where I sewed along the creases, this is optional but I think it makes it look a bit neater.  Make sure that all the seams are on the inside.  So start by folding the half circle in half, right sides in.  Sew along the folded edge (where the arrow is) as close to the edge as you can while still catching all the layers of fabric.   To determine the next point, fold it into third, leave a little overhang for the seam allowance.  The fold on the left is where you will attach the divider later, and the fold on the right (where the arrow points) is where you will sew next.  Repeat on the opposite side.  Again, the bumpy side with the seams is the inside, and the smooth side is the outside.  Repeat on the other clam shell. 

Next, take the 2 main pieces, right sides together.  You will want to place the semicircles on the inside, outside facing the main fabric.  Sew all the way around leaving a small opening, flip right side out and press.  You can either slip stitch it closed or top stitch all around.  

Add your velcro.  

When I went to add my divider I realized it was actually way too long so I added some seams to the middle giving it more of a flat bottom.  Then you can either hand stitch the divider in place, like the pin shows, or you can use your machine.  I used my machine to stitch about 1/2 inch just along the top.  

And you're done!  For some reason, I was thinking that this was going to be really complicated but was actually pretty simple.  It just looks complicated because of the interior.  

Free Printable Envelopes and Date Night Ideas

i always thought it was sad when the people who lived in a big touristy city never got around to seeing any of the attractions in their city.  i mean if you live there you might as well check it out right?  well, sadly, i've become one of those people.  i've lived in honolulu for more than a year now and i haven't really gone to see anything.  i mean i go to the beach and snorkel and all that, but i haven't really visited any of the museums around here.  so my boyfriend and i decided to make a list of some of the things we want to see/do and set up a sort of drawing system for what we do each weekend.  we're both desperately indecisive so we needed a system to make decisions for us lol!  

i used a template and made some printable envelopes with a description of the activity on the front.  if you want it to be a surprise you can always leave it blank in the front, but since some of my activities are day specific i decided to put them on the front.  usually we don't carry cash but since we both get tips at our jobs (yeah he gets tips working at a hardware store weird right??) we'd saved up some money in cash.  so i allocated the monies to each envelope for bus fare, snacks, admission, etc.  plus, if you have a budget this is a good way to keep you from overspending.  you can just make the envelopes if you have extra cash and only spend what you give yourself!  of course, if you actually put money in the envelopes make sure you don't lose them!!  that's something i'll probably end up doing...i'm notorious at organizing/putting things away and then promptly forgetting where i put them lol.  

right now we have 8 envelopes set up and we (and by 'we' i mean 'i') still have more to make!  i think we will make a more another version for more expensive activities like doing a shark dive!!  i've always wanted to do one of those...speaking of sharks, i love shark week!   

the original template i used can be found here and you can find my template with the stripes here (they are both designed to make 2 envelopes per 1 sheet of computer paper).  sorry for the low resolution, i didn't realize the original was so low until i had already done the stripes.  and then i was basically committed lol.  or you could always find a pattern you like print it, and print the template on the back.  or just print on to card stock or something.

linking up with these blogorific ladies!

hope everyone has a good weekend and happy crafting!

DIY Stag Earrings

okay, another anthro knock off...i just couldn't resist this one because it's so similar to my antler necklace.   the photo on the left is my inspiration from anthropologie: crowned stag earrings for $198!!  you can find it here .  the photo on the right is my cheapo version made out of sculpey. 

supplies:
-2 fish hook earrings
-2 jump rings
-polymer clay
-(2) 1 inch pieces of wire
-pliers
-paint (optional)

it's really pretty simple, just shape the clay into the general shape of the antler.  then gradually start to the taper everything down so it doesn't look so chunky (unless you want it to look that way).  bake according to the clay you're using.  using your pliers, make a small loop on one end of each piece of wire.  insert the straight end of the wire into the end of the antler after you finish sculpting it.  attach the antlers to the fish hooks using the jump rings. 

i used some gloss white nail polish as a finish on mine but you could make them any color...

and that's it..seriously...you just made a knock off of $200 earrings for probably less than $5!?  crazy right?  i mean sure the anthro version is a lot more thin/delicate looking than mine and made out of mammoth ivory but still...i'd rather have my $5 version.

linking up here.

My entry into Make the Scene Monday #33  is sponsored by Appliances Online & Bosch Washing Machines.

DIY Carved Filigree Earrings

today's tutorial is a knock off of some anthro jewelry.  i love basically everything from anthropologie...but not so much the price tag.  

the photo on the left is my inspiration from anthropologie-carved filigree earrings for $68!!  you can find them here.  the photo on the right is my, less then $5, version!  

 supplies:
-8 jump rings
-2 fish hook earrings
-shrinky dink
-sharpie or colored pencils
-nail polish or paint

if you've never worked with shrinky dink before you can also read my other project here. 

start by sketching out the filigree design you want.  you can use colored pencils or sharpie to fill in your design.  i wanted a sort of scribbled look so i didn't completely fill it in.  then make 4 small teardrop shapes and 2 large tear drop shapes.  (i ended up rubbing off the sharpie scribbles on these parts and i made the large teardrops smooth on top like the smaller ones.)  cut out your designs and punch your holes. 

next, bake your shrinky dink as per instructions.  you can use paint or fingernail polish to paint the teardrop shapes.  and it's read to assemble.  i used 4 jump rings per earring, no the 7 pictured.  

and that's it!  pretty simple right?  and altogether i think they cost less than $5, versus $68!  of course if you're buying all these supplies new it will cost more but once you break it down based on what you use they're really cheap.  i wish i had made the teardrops a bit bigger and fatter but i really like the way they turned out!

linking up here

My entry into Make the Scene Monday #33  is sponsored by Appliances Online & Bosch Washing Machines.

DIY faux pallet crate

i want to start of by saying that i love pallet furniture.  i love pallet chairs, pallet tables, pallet gardens, pallet beds, you get the idea.  but most of all, since i love organizing and storage, i love pallet crates.  i love the rustic worn look they have, and if they have casters even better!  storage with portable pallet-y goodness!

unfortunately, whenever i look for pallets they always look like they're in really bad shape.  and i tried taking one apart once and it was really rather unsuccessful...in fact i have the sad remains still on my lanai to remind me of what a horrible failure it was lol.  i also read some articles about how some pallets are chemically treated and it can be really difficult to tell which ones those are.  and since i have 2 bunnies who have to nibble on everything i decided that maybe using pallets wasn't the best option for home decor.  

but i still wanted some storage crates.  so i went and bought some pine lumber and made this bad boy:

first, apparently city mill really only sells pine and mahogany.  and i wasn't gonna shell out for mahogany when i was going to make it look old anyway so i was stuck with pine.  which is probably for the best because it still ended up being about $15 just for the lumber!  already way more than i wanted to spend:/

i bought (1) 1"x10"x48" and (1) 1"x12"x48" here's how i had mine cut: (keep in mind that lumber is actually smaller than what it's marked so instead of 1" it's actually more like 3/4")

the 1" x 10" will be the sides-first, i had them cut it into (2) 23.5" x 10" pieces.  then i had them split both those pieces in half (hotdog style).  so you should end up with 4 pieces that are 23.5" x 5" (technically a little less than 5").  originally i had them cut the pieces to 24" because i forgot that lumber is actually smaller than marked, so when i got home and double checked i had to take an extra 1/2" off all 4 pieces.  super annoying when you're working with a leatherman tool...

the 1" x 12" will be the front/back and bottom.  i had them cut (2) 12" x 12" and (1) 22" x 12" pieces.  you can cut holes to make handles in the front/back like i did or you can buy handles from the hardware section.

i stained and sealed all the pieces first then put it together.  i started by attaching the front and back to the bottom piece then added in the sides.  the construction is really pretty simple.

and i had to spend $12 on casters so the project was already almost $30!  which again, was way more than i originally planned on spending.  but i still liked the way it turned out.  city mill also has this little cart in the lumber section of scrap wood for 50 cents a piece.  when i was there they had a lot of chemically treated 2x4 pieces so you might be able to make a crate for much cheaper.



as for the finish, i ended up using minwax driftwood stain.  i like the way it turned out but i wish it had more of gray tone.

i had originally planned on using the vinegar/steel wool technique that is supposed to oxidize the wood and give it a really aged appearance.  well i put one piece of superfine steel wool into apple cider vinegar for one day and tested it out.  when i took the wool out it looked the same but i could definitely see little pieces of it floating in the vinegar and it smelled pretty rusty.  the first few pieces i tried had more of a brown finish rather than the gray i was looking for.  i waited a couple days and it was slowly starting to turn a light gray color but it was still really inconsistent.

then i stumbled across a post where the writer would leave the solution sitting for weeks!  well i didn't really feel like waiting around for weeks with a pile of wood in my kitchen so i just bought some stain instead.  i still have the solution though so maybe next month i'll make something else that i can try it out on...

linking up here

have a great weekend!!

P.S. if you're interested, you can find the anthro rosette pillow here and the chevron blanket here

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My entry into the Share It Link Party at The Winthrop Chronicles is sponsored by Appliances Online and their best Range Cookers.

Tutorial: Upcycle-Rope Shoebox

okay so like 6 months ago i saved on my old shoebox from the trash with plans on dressing it up and turning it into something awesome.  well i ended up just covering it with drop cloth fabric and then kind of forgetting about it.  at the time i couldn't really decide on how i wanted to embellish it so i just filled it with junk and put it work.  

well, i saw this Upcycled Kleenex Box from Southern Flair Crafts in the GYCO party a couple weeks ago and i knew that was how i wanted to finish my box.  it's so similar to my rope containers i don't know why i didn't think of it before!  

in the tute from Southern Flair Crafts, she covers the box with rope first then makes the liner.  but since i already covered mine with drop cloth fabric i jumped right into the business of rope covering.  

i started by glueing the end of the rope down one side of the box.  this way the end of the rope isn't exposed on the top of the box and you can't really tell that there's a bump there after you wrap the rope over it.

and just keep wrapping and glueing your rope around the box.

and since my box was already covered/lined with fabric i didn't have to worry about making a liner.  i think it's actually a bit easier, especially if you don't like to sew you can just hot glue the fabric to your box.  and here's my box back in place hiding all of my boyfriend's essential toiletries.  if you're interested in that little magazine bowl you can find the tutorial here.  he got saved from the trash too:)

happy up-cycling!!  

linking up here!

how to dress up hand towels (or make burp cloths)

okay, today's tutorial is pretty simple and somewhat random.  (mostly i had a really long weekend so i thought i was gonna be super awesome and crafty but instead i just thought about how super awesome  and crafty i was gonna be hah.  so instead i have this pretty weak sauce tutorial to make up for my lazyness lol)

so remember when i went on 'vacay' couple weeks back for my friend's wedding?  well i bought some fingernail polish while i was there 'case its practically dirt cheap compared to here and i needed something to pack it in for the flight back. so i may have stolen one of the tiny hand towels from our hotel...  and when we got back, i figured since i had it i might as well use it.  and it being a hotel and all it's plain and boring and white.  so i needed to dress it up some.  

basically just cut a piece of cotton to the same size as your towel.  place them right sides together and sew all along the outer edge leaving a small opening.  flip right side out, press, and top stitch all along the edge.

it felt a little too much like an empty pillow case to me so i added some simple square quilting on mine. those little woven bands on the towel ended up making it pucker a little bit-next time i think i'll try to get a big enough towel to cut those off or just buy some terry fabric.

this whole process probably took me 15 minutes so it's a pretty simple project.  and now i have a nice sheepy hand towel for the kitchen.  if i ever come up with a real design scheme for my home it'd be a great way to tie in a fabric or color to the kitchen.  i've always thought those tea towels at target are really cute but pretty unsubstantial and this is a great way to make them a little more 'usable'.  or make awesome burp cloths (for my non-existent baby lol).

linking up with these blogorific blogs here

gray stripe dresser makeover

so i bought this little dresser off craigslist forever ago!  at the time i couldn't decide how i wanted to finish it (it came completely unfinished) so i ended up just filling it up with junk and so it stayed for several until i decided on a design.  i bought it because i really liked the interior because each drawer is separated into 3 little compartments based on where the trenches are but i wasn't a big fan of how all the little knobs and trenches looked on the front.  my boyfriend likes that sort of apothecary look but it was just too busy for me.  

so i totally redid the whole of the dresser and it looks completely different now!!  much more sleek and modern and the darker grey stripes are done in chalkboard paint so i can label each drawer with what's inside!  

if you want to redo your own dresser, start by cleaning up your dresser.  notice i have crap all over mine and in the background..and a little bunny cave in the back.  

next remove all the knobs and fill in the holes and any other imperfections (aka giant trenches) with wood putty.  i sanded it after a couple hours while it's still sort of softish then let it dry completely.  it will shrink a little bit after it's completely dry so it's best to wait then reapply.  this is what took me the longest since the dry time is usually pretty long hence the lack of pictures.  

that whole fiasco took me like 5 days just cause i could only do about 10 minutes of work a day.  after that i kind of forgot about photos sorry!!  so after you'd filled everything in so it's all smooth in the front, you can cut the handles out.  i actually did mine by hand with a leatherman, 'cause i'm hardcoare like that hah.  and it actually went pretty fast.  but i think that's because this dresser is made of pine which is pretty soft.  and i had a lot of sanding to do afterwards but it only took me about 45 minutes to finish all 3 handles.

after that, it's pretty simple: just clean the dresser again making sure you get all the sawdust and other particulates off.  prime and paint!  the lighter color is a mis-tint and the darker grey is 'sweatshirt gray' by benjamin moore.

to get the chalkboard effect, just add 1 tablespoon  unsanded grout to 1/2 cup of paint and mix!  this makes the paint super thick and chunky so if you have to do several layers like i did you might feel a definite ridge wherever you tape it off.  to prime your chalkboard just lay a piece of chalk down against the surface and lightly run it all over, wipe and it's ready to use!

and that's it!  i was really intimidated at first to change the look so much but it was a lot easier than i thought.  it was really hard to imagine how i wanted it to look with all the knobs and trenches in the front.  but i really like the way it turned out and now i have a cool place to store all my crafting supplies!

do you have any old outdated furniture you want to makeover?  or maybe a cheap CL find?  

linking up with these craftalicious blogs here

tutorial & giveaway: reusable sandwich bag

lately i've been trying to save money by bringing my own lunch to work instead of eating out.  and while i do have a reusable plastic wonder bread sandwich case i still love the hand made reusable bags i've seen floating around.  they're totally customizable:  you can use vinyl coated cotton or use vinyl coating on a fabric of your choice.  then all you need is velcro and you've got yourself a reusable sammich baggy!

here's the pattern for the front and back.

my sandwiches are pretty small, basically just 2 pieces of bread with peanut butter and honey.  however the pattern ended up being a little loose so if you make really big manly sammiches it will probably still fit.  

 

here all the pieces all cut out-i've already fused the interfacing to the other pieces.  then start by boxing the corners:

next, take the 2 front pieces, right sides together, and sew across the top.  flip right side out and press.  you can add some topstitching here if you'd like, and attach the velcro.

next, line it up with the back piece of lining.  pin and sew in place.  place the outer back piece on top, right sides together, and sew around the outside edge leaving a small opening on the flap.  trim or round the corners of the flap.  flip right side out, and press.  topstitch along the flap, closing the opening.  center and attach the velcro.  

and now you have a new eco friendly sandwich bag!! 

linking up with these wonderful blogs here

and now for the giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

hope everyone had a great week and good luck!