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crafts for a good cause...

do you like making blankets or caps, why not make them for babies in need? here's a great site called mama to mama, you can send in blankets and caps and they donate your handmade items to babies. here's the link: http://www.soulemama.com/mama_to_mama/

let's get crafty

if you're like me or know some who like a stylish scarf to complete an outfit the this fun projest is just for you and best of all it's under $10 read below for step by step guide.

Batik Silk Scarf

Adding designs and patterns to your next dye project is a breeze with a simple batik technique that’s guaranteed to turn some heads.

Materials:
double boiler (or glass bowl and slightly larger saucepan)
prewashed silk scarf
wax
cold-water fabric dye
clothespins
small cookie cutter
plastic tub or metal sink
kraft paper
iron

1. Using a glass bowl and a saucepan as a double boiler, heat the wax until it's melted.

Safety tip: Be sure to tilt the inner container; otherwise a vacuum could form and you could receive a nasty burn.

2. Clip the clothespin to the side of the cookie cutter and dip the cookie cutter into the wax for at least 20 seconds.

3. Place the wax-dipped cookie cutter onto the scarf and press lightly until the wax is transferred to the scarf. Allow the wax to cool.

4. Mix the dye (following package instructions) in a large tub or a metal sink. Wet the scarf and place it in the dye bath; stir and let the fabric sit in the dye for about an hour.

5. Rinse the scarf in cold water until the water runs clear; hang the scarf to dry.

6. Place the fabric between pieces of kraft paper and press with a hot iron to remove the wax.

7. Rinse in hot water with a mild detergent to remove remaining wax, then let the scarf hang to dry.

*TIC TAC TOE*

STEP-BY-STEP

1. Select a 12-inch-square slate tile, and affix 11/2-inch felt pads (#54111) to the underside of the tile at each corner.
2. Using chalk, draw a grid on the tile. If desired, spray the tile with a clear topcoat (#39449, #282329).
3. For game pieces, choose polished stones (#139462) from the garden center. Draw Os on dark stones using white paint, and mark Xs on light stones using a black permanent marker.

recycling old books....

if you are a crafty person like me, or want to be here's a few great ideas to recycle books( and if you know of more please let me know)

use the pages as wallpaper. I knew of someone who did that and it actually turned out pretty good.

make hard covers into purse....

Materials:

old hardcover book
old button to match
craft knife
glue fabric
metal handle frames
beads
grosgrain ribbon
braided ribbon trim
cardboard
sewing machine
pins
scissors
paper

Steps:

1. Cut the pages out of book with knife.

2. Select fabric to match book and iron it.

3. Measure book's height and width, add 1 inch to each, and use those measurements to make a triangular pattern for the side pieces.

4. Cut main lining piece, four side pieces (half and half), one pocket piece, and a bottom piece out of fabric.

5. Pin side-pieces together, right sides in.

6. Select beads for the handle, and string them on frame. Fold four 2-inch pieces of grosgrain ribbon over handle frame feet and pin in place.

7. Find old button to match book. Thread through a piece of ribbon and make a loop closure to fit it.

8. Sew two pinned triangular side pieces.

9. Sew ribbons on handles and button closure. Glue handles and button closures into book cover; allow to dry.

10. Glue ribbon trim to outside of book.

11. Iron side pieces right side out, with 1/2 inch on all sides ironed in, and pin to hold the fold.

12. Glue bottom of triangular side-pieces onto book spine. Cut cardboard to the size of the spine. Glue into place.

13. Glue side pieces onto book cover, one side at a time.

14. Iron main lining with 1/2-inch seam around each edge.

15. Glue main lining into book.

16. Cut another piece of cardboard the same size of spine, cover with fabric, and glue into bottom.