May Craft Time...just kidding! June Craft Time Instead

So, I had all of the materials and the idea to make my craft in May...but I just plum didn't have the time!  However, I did make them in June and am happy with how they turned out.  I think I'll be making something similar (maybe cloth napkins instead of dishtowels) again for a Christmas gift.  Unfortunately,  I totally spaced on taking pictures so all I've got is the finished product.  Just use your lovely imagination and think about the steps :)

Stamped Tea Towels

What You'll Need:
-2 or more tea towels (also known as flour sack towels)
-assorted stamps
-assorted stamp ink
-an iron
-small paint roller (optional)

Step-by-Step:
1. Iron your cloth to make smooth.
2. Place assorted paints on a pallet or paper plate for easy use.
3. I improvised a bit with stamps-I didn't like the stamps I had on hand so I used some items around the house that were circular so I could make dots.  I used different sizes too.  However, if you do have stamps make sure they are coated well and evenly (this is where the small pain roller can come in) before you apply them to your towel in whatever pattern you're wanting.
4. Stamp away!  Do whatever pattern you feel like, if any pattern at all.  Make sure the stamp (or object) is placed firmly down and hold for a few seconds before slowly removing.
5. Let dry.  I waited a solid day but you can check the paint off-and-on to make sure it's dry.
6. Once dry, iron again.  This should ensure the stamps will stay.  If you plan on giving them to someone as a gift, make sure you let them know they need to be HAND WASHED AND DRIED.  If they are for you...just remember that.

And that is it!  I think these are SO adorable and pretty inexpensive!  I'm thinking of making some with Christmas tree patterns for Christmas and maybe some colorful stripes for a friends birthday gift.

(Spoiler alert:  I didn't make a craft in July either!)

April Craft Time

My best friend is coming into town (after being gone almost 2 YEARS) soon!  That being said, this month's craft (found on Pinterest) is for her to celebrate her engagement/marriage to a WONDERFUL guy!  They like to relax with a glass of wine every now and then so I made some painted wine glass for them.  As always, this is quick, easy, and cheap!

Hand Painted "Dot" Glasses

What You'll Need:
-Some glasses (you can do tumblers, champagne flutes, shot glasses, etc. and how every many you want!)
-Assorted acrylic paints
-Q-tips OR small paint brushes
-Newspaper OR a plastic grocery bag
-Plates OR paint palette
-An oven
-Clear nail polish (optional)

Step-by-Step:
1. Wipe down glasses with a paper towel.  If you wet it, make sure the glasses are nice and dry before painting.
2. Set up work space.  Since you're dealing with paints make sure to wear not-so-nice clothes or a smock to cover up in case of spills.  Spread out your plastic bag or newspaper over your work space.

3. Select paints and place smallish amounts on plates/palette.  Make sure there is enough space between them.

4. Dip Q-tips/paint brush ends in paint.  Stipple onto glasses in whatever pattern you want.  Notice below that I placed my hand inside the glass.  This helped me turn them for easier (and smear free) application as well as prevented getting any paint that was on my hands onto the glasses.

5.  Once decorated, place glasses in the oven WITHOUT TURNING IT ON.
6.  Once securely in the oven, turn on to 325 degrees.  Let them "bake" for 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes, turn oven off with glasses still in the oven to cool.  I'd say let them stay cooling for at least 1 hour.

(Please excuse my oven...it's on my Spring Cleaning list next weekend...)

7. OPTIONAL: Because these will be hand washable and are a gift, I also applied a clear coat of nail polish to my dots as an extra safety precaution to further assist in keeping the paint on the glass.
8. If you're making these for yourself, pop a bottle of your favorite beverage and drink out of your awesome glasses!  If they're a gift, wrap them up and be prepared to see a smiling face when opened.

(My finished products, pre gift wrapped)

I am VERY happy with how they turned out!  I'm sure I'll be making more of these in the future =]

Happy crafting!

March Craft Time

I know I'm a little late in posting but I had to wait to get the pictures from my sister.  I hadn't planned on blogging about this because it's not technically a craft BUT since I inspired my sister to switch detergents and helped make it, I figured why not!

We did the math:  they (my sis and BIL) do about 2-3 loads of laundry a week (which equals to roughly 156 loads of laundry a year!)  We calculated that they spend on average between $100-$120 a year on laundry detergent, depending on the brand...which isn't bad but after making this they will walk away with about an $80 yearly savings AND a greener alternative!  You're using MUCH less product and this has no dyes, nothing unnatural (unless you add the crystals and Oxyclean) and you're saving a bunch of moola.  Talk about a great incentive!  I made a batch of this a while back in early Fall of 2012 and I still have a full box to go...mine should last well into this coming fall and I only spent about $17! Since I have sensitive skin this is great for me and it cleans really well.  It is super fast to make, easy to store, smells delicious and will keep your wallet slim.  If you're not convinced now then you should probably quit reading ;)

(I was not given any incentives to endorse any of the products pictured below)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

What You'll Need:
-1 box of Borax
-1 4 lb box of Baking Soda
-1 box of Washing Soda
-2 to 3 bars of Zote or Fels-Naptha soap
-1 large container (or multiple small containers) to store it in
-Cheese grater (large grates) or food processor
-(optional) Oxyclean
-(optional) scent crystals

**Please remember that this is a dry detergent and needs to be stored in a dry location.**

Step-by-Step:
1. Gather all of your ingredients.  It's best to do this where clean up is easy since most of the products are powder.  My sister bought a great tin bucket to put this product in but you can use whatever you want.

2. The longest part is in grating the soap.  I used a cheese grater but you can also use a food processor to get it in tiny pieces.  You can use 1-3 bars per batch.  We used 3 here.

3. You'll start adding the ingredients SLOWLY box by box.  The order doesn't matter because you'll be mixing it all together anyway.

4.  Once all products are combined, stir/mix well.  The soap and crystals often fall to the bottom so make sure you shake/scoop well when you're using it in your loads.  You only have to use about 1 heaping tbsp per load...how AWESOME is that?!  You can use more but the great part is that you don't have to.  The smell is great and it's so quick and easy!

The finished product!

I hope you enjoy this green/money saving "craft" from March.  If you make a batch PLEASE leave me comments to let me know any adjustments you made, good/bad turnouts, etc.

February Craft Time

Alright so, this month's craft I made and completely forgot to take progress pictures!  *Hangs head in shame*  I can still give you the tutorial and show pictures of the finished product so that's at least something.  This too is a quick and practical gift/project like last month's craft.  I chose this craft to make as a gift for a friend's birthday and I honestly think EVERYONE could use one of these!

Sleep Mask

What You'll Need:
-fabric in a shade(s)/pattern(s) of your liking
-coordinating fabric for trim (trim is optional...I had a hard time with it so I chose to opt-out of doing it the second time since I'm not graceful with curves and a sewing machine yet)
-a block of felt (I got a precut square from WalMart for 38 cents and it was about 12"x12"-it was enough for 2 masks)
-a piece of paper and pen (to create your mask template)
-fabric scissors
-coordinating thread
-1/4" elastic (I got about 3' worth for 97 cents at WalMart)
-sewing machine OR needle and thread for hand sewing
-bows/buttons/etc. for adornments (optional)

Step-by-Step
1. Draw a template for the mask with pen and paper.  You can make it as plain or intricate as you want but remember: the more intricate the more complicated sewing it may take.  I am a basic sewer so the easier, the better.   (I already had a sleep mask so I used it as my template but it's a basic half-mask shape that you can do free hand).
2. Cut the template out from the paper and shape it up a bit.
3. Using the template, cut a mask from the felt.  The felt will be your inside.
4. Using the template, cut a mask from your fabric.  You will need 2 of these so you can have a front and back.  You can use different fabrics or the same.  I chose the same.
5. Measure your head and cut your elastic accordingly.  Note: you'll want to cut it a bit smaller than you measured so it will have give and actually hold while your sleeping.
6.  Sew!  You can hand sew or machine sew.  You're literally sewing the pieces together.  Front-Felt-Back.  During this step you can also sew the elastic in on both sides (of the back).  Here, make sure to back stitch to really secure those bands.  I used the basic foot allowance on the machine.
7. OPTIONAL: Sew on the trim.  (I didn't do trim however, if I make more of these in the future I'll be hand sewing the trim since I made a hot mess using the machine, lol!)  Make sure your allowance for trim covers both the front AND the back stitches you made when sewing the three pieces together.
8. OPTIONAL: adorne with bows, ribbons, beads, etc.  This is a great way to make your mask more unique and fun.

Here is my finished product!

Front

Back

Beadwork

Beadwork

You can also check this site to see other adornments and trim she used on her homemade masks.  They're so cute!


Happy crafting, friends!  I hope you enjoy this quick and cute mask as much as I did!

January Craft Time

Alright, my first craft of the new year!  I perused my Pinterest account looking for something easy and quick to make since I started my new job and don't have as much time (yet) during the evenings.  I found a few things but then saw an infinity scarf that my aunt made.  I LOVE the whole scarf trend and love to do basic sewing so I figured this would be it!

For a quicker look at how to make an infinity scarf, check out this video detailing this step-by-step.

The Infinity Scarf

What You'll Need:
-fabric in color/pattern of your liking
-matching thread
-scissors
-pins
-sewing needle
-sewing machine (optional)

*Note: for the fabric, I'd suggest getting it cut at the fabric store so you don't have to do any trimming and measuring.  I'd get 24-32 inches (a little less than a yard) per scarf. Remember: the more fabric you have the longer and bulkier the actual scarf will be.  Also, the heavier the fabric, the chunkier/bulkier the layers.  If you're looking for something Spring-y or Summer-y then I'd suggest a light jersey knit or gauzy cotton.  For Fall or Winter a good sturdy cotton or even (if you're feeling bold) wool.

I chose a cotton fabric in a nice pastel stripe to use for Spring.  It can also go with neutrals since it's a tad bit sturdier than a gauze.

Step-by-Step
1. Iron fabric.
2. Take fabric and fold long ways, face to face (or pretty side to pretty side).

3. Measure 4 inches from each side and pin.  Continue pinning length.

4 inches

Pinning

4. Sew length (you can use whatever seam allowance you like. I just used the foot pedal on my sewing machine).  Make sure you back-stitch the ends to keep them secure.
5. Turn inside out (here the seam should be inside).

(Yes I know it's uneven...but since it's to be worn and looped, I doubt anyone would notice)

6. Take both ends (the 4 inch non-sewed ends) and pin the forks seam to seam.

Fork

Seam-to-seam (pretty side to pretty side)

7. (This is where it gets weird) Next, you'll take the ends and pin face-to-face (pretty side to pretty side) and sew.  In doing so, you'll make this almost circle.  You'll leave the actual fork part unsewn (for now).  **NOTE:  The fabric bulks a bit here so make sure you're JUST sewing the edges and not any other material. Start from one corner and arch to the other.  Again, make sure to back-stitch each end to keep them secure.

See how the pins make this kind of circle?

Note that the bulk of the fabric is pulled away from the circle so that I can sew the edges.

8. Once sewn, you'll flip the edges inside and all that's left is this little pocket (fork) to hand sew and then you're DONE!

Pocket to hand sew

It's just a big ol' loop of fabric!

One loop, no wrap.

Two loops, one wrap.

After maybe 20-30 minutes you now have your very own infinity scarf!

So that's it!  I made two from a yard of this fabric so I could gauge the length and bulkiness I wanted.  I love them!

Happy crafting!

The Oil Cleansing Method

Okay so as of late my skin has broken out and dried out SO much.  I don't know if it's due to the screwy TN weather this year or just stress (probably both) but I'm HATING it, especially so close to graduation and pictures for the holidays.  I haven't changed any of my face products either so I'm really frustrated.

So naturally, I complained about it on the ol' Facebook and a lovely woman suggested I try the oil cleansing method.  I remember very vaguely my sister saying something about the oil method a few years ago but this woman reminded me.

-The Oil Cleansing Method-

This method uses natural oils to help balance out the oils in our skin.  "Like dissolves like". This is also a more eco-friendly way to take care of your skin and rid of the chemical products we often use to rid of acne, dry skin, grease, etc.
Depending upon your skin type (dry, oily, combination), a certain blend of oils will be combined and applied directly to the face.  Suggested oils are castor combined with olive, sunflower, or grape seed.  

For similar recipes and information, check here, here, and here.

For dry, combine more castor than the other 2:1, for oily, more other than the castor 2:1, and for combination a 1:1 ratio.  For my personal ratio I combined 1 part castor oil and 1 part olive oil.  I also have some tea tree oil to add a drop or two in for whenever I'm feeling a tad dry.  I purchased a small bottle in the travel size section of my local store to try this out for a few weeks.  I also purchased small bottles of the oil so in case it doesn't work, I don't have a ton of oil just laying around.

1) Apply approximately a quarter size about of mixed oil to palm of hand.  Rub together to make "warm", blended.
2) Apply oil directly to face.  That's right...just slather it right on there.  If you've got make-up-DO IT!  The oil should get it all off.
3) Gently rub oil in pores all over face and neck.
4) Wait about 1 minute.
5) Apply a pretty hot (but not scalding) wash cloth directly to the face (lay it over).  Leave on until cool.
6) You can rinse it and reapply a warm cloth again if you're not feeling confident.
7) After it's cool, gently wipe face and neck of all oil.

**PLEASE NOTE: I've read from many different sources and from first hand accounts that your face will go through a phase of getting zitty again.  DO NOT FRET! That's your face getting in deep and pulling the impurities from way down up and out of your skin.  Just leave them alone, keep up the method, and between 3-7 days they should leave and your skin should be back to its awesome, blissful stage...and STAY there! (at least from what I've heard and read)

I started it on Sunday and tried it out for a week.

Day 1 (Sunday)
Before the "wash": I haven't washed my face today nor have I applied anything to it since yesterday.

(You can see my T-zone is especially zitty lately)

After the "wash": My skin feels pretty silky and not dry.  It was kind of bizarre just slathering oil all over my face but it came off well and my skin feels hydrated.  Nothing else is on my face!

(I know it doesn't look different (YET!) but it feels different)

Day 2 (Monday)

Before "wash": I hadn't done a thing to my face before washing it besides getting in the shower.  It got a little wet but I dried it really well before "washing".  I did notice this morning, however, that my t-zone zits had gone down in inflammation. SCORE!

After "wash": It still feels silky smooth and the whole process is kind of relaxing. I can dig it.

Day 3 (Tuesday)

Before "wash": I put on a full face of make-up today and it went on SO well!  No flaky parts, no spotty foundation, nothing!  (Unfortunately I forgot to take a before picture...maybe next time?)

After "wash": E.V.E.R.Y bit of my make-up came off AND my face still feels amazing!

Day 4 (Wednesday)

Before "wash":  I woke up to a tiny amount of dryness on my upper lip and upper eye lids.  I also have a few zits in my eyebrow...but the zits from day 1 have gone WAY down in both size and inflammation.  I wore makeup again and it went on fine.

After "wash":  I had a bit of a hard time getting all all of mascara off (in part because I had a ton on) so I used a tad of Vaseline to finish getting it off.  Other than that it all came off and my skin feels like a baby's =]

(Ignore my hair-I just got out of the shower)

Day 5 (Thursday)

Before "wash": I've got a few more zits...I don't know if it's due to the method, my upcoming cycle, or stress.  Besides those zits my skin feels hydrated and soft.  I didn't wear any makeup today so maybe that will help out a bit too.

After "wash": Everything went well, as usual.  I added a tad of tea tree oil to my zits afterwards so the skin around it won't dry out and peel when I put on makeup.  Maybe tomorrow things will start looking better?  Maybe this is my "bad" stage and things will clear up again?

Day 6 (Friday)

Before "wash": I have broken out more BUT now I realize it's probably more due to my monthly cycle than the method.

After "wash": I actually "washed" my face in the morning instead of at night so that was different but my skin held up and didn't get dry all day (even under my makeup!) 

Day 7 (Saturday)

Before "wash":  I slept in my makeup from the night before.  I was trying not to do that but alas...I did.

After "wash": Since today was INCREDIBLY busy, I "washed" again in the morning instead of in the evening.

So yesterday, on the 8th day, did I keep it up and see any difference? YES!  I plan on using this method at least until my little bottle of the mix is gone.  After that I'll decide whether I want to go back to using a billion different products to make the "perfect" combination...and spend a small fortune. Ha! As of now, unless something horrible happens I see myself using this method.

If you use this, let me know how it goes for you!  Any problems, any awesome results.

If something bad comes about from this I'll post an update.

Happy "washing"!!

Gettin' crafty!

My boss and I discussed how many sentences now start with "I was looking on Pinterest and...", lol.  If you are not a member of this highly addicting and ubber fun site, it's time.  You need to join...like yesterday!  If you check out my blog homepage you'll find a link up to my pinterest page and you can go from there!

Anyway-I was looking on Pinterest and...I've found some really neat crafts I want to do!  If you're linked on my page they are under the "A Bunch of Neat Crafts" board.  So cool!

You want to see what I've been up to making?  PILLOWS!  I've wanted to make some pillows for our couch for quite some time.  Luckily, Spring Break was the perfect time to do this and I did!  I also made a great personalized daily to-do list but I'm having trouble uploading it for your viewing and using pleasure =(

Anywho-check out my pillow HOW TOs below!

There are just your basic pillow.  SUPER easy to make-seriously, I've been making this style of pillow since I was like 14.  

**What You'll Need: 1) Fabric 2) Fabric scissors 3) Matching thread 4) Stuffing 5) Iron

**How to: 1) Select fabric. 2) Cut fabric to desired pillow size. 3) Iron fabric smooth. 4) Put the "faces" (the good sides or the sides you want to show) against one another so the back sides are outward for sewing. 5) Sew 3 sides approximately 1/2 inch from seam. 6) Flip sewn fabric right side out (so now the faces are outward for viewing). 7) Stuff to desired "comfy" level. 8) Sew up fourth side.  

Done and done!  Super quick and easy and they turned out so CUTE! These are a great way to learn how to using basic stitching on a sewing machine.  Obviously by hand works just as well but since I wanted to make 4, one of which was super time consuming (see below), the sewing machine came in handy.

Now this next pillow...was a pain in the ass to make...but I LOVE how it turned out!  I drew inspiration from this pillow via pinterest but I went and read the blog it came from and realized it really didn't look that bad.  I mean my friend over at Leaping Over the Pond also "inked" a pillow with a Bible verse and it turned out wonderfully!  My main issues with this pillow was that the ink bled ever so slightly and my fabric, once washed, was hard to iron back flat.  I think it turned out well but I don't know if I would do it again.  Now granted, I did both sides and used an entire song so maybe that was part of it....

(Side 1)

**What You'll Need: 1) Fabric 2) Fabric Scissors 3) Matching thread 4) Stuffing 5) Verse/Quote/Lyric print out 6) Letter stencil (in whatever font and size you like) 7) Permanent fabric marker 8) Iron

**How To: 1) Select Fabric. 2) Cut fabric to desired pillow shape. 3) Print quote/lyric/verse for reference. 4) Iron fabric smooth. 5) Using stencil, trace the letters of the lyric on the fabric. (*PLEASE NOTE-I could not, no matter what I tried rid of the pencil marks on this pillow.  I don't know if it was the fabric I was using or the type of lead but trace very lightly if you don't want the pencil marks on it...I've succumbed to them and have decided that it gives the pillow character, lol).

I used a fairly plain block and medium size stencil for my letters.  I also used an entire song instead of one or two lines so I think that also made it more cumbersome (although I love it with the whole song).

6) After fully stenciling, fill the letters in with your maker.  (This is where I had another problem because it bled a bit. Not much but it spread out a bit further than I would have liked it to.  You can see some of my letters look "thicker" than others-that's the spreading/bleeding). 7) Once letters are filled in, iron again to "set" the ink.  This will help prevent it from bleeding in the wash.  8) Wash (in COLD water) the inked fabric to ensure no bleeding.  (I hand washed mine first to make sure). 9) Once washed and dried, iron again to flatten the fabric for smoother sewing.  (Again, this fabric was a pain and didn't iron out well after the washing...but I kind of like the burlapy-wrinkly look it has now). 10) Sew 3 sides approximately 1/2 inch from seam. 11) Flip sewn fabric right side out (so now the faces are outward for viewing). 12) Stuff to desired "comfy" level. 13) Sew up fourth side.

I liked the way it turned out the more and more I look at it.  At first I was disappointed but Der was very encouraging and said he really liked it and was quite proud.  =]

(Side 2)

Now this last pillow I think is my favorite just because it looks so damn cute!  It's a little neck/decorative pillow.

I just love monogrammed stuff and the lowercase just worked better with this smaller neck pillow.

**What You'll Need: 1) Fabric 2) Fabric Scissors 3) Matching thread 4) Stuffing 5) Permanent fabric marker 6) Iron

I had originally intended for this to just be the little letter r pillow but I had extra fabric and liked the idea of the little fabric flower in the corner-and now I'm totally in love <3

**How to (without flower): 1) Select fabric. 2) Cut fabric to desired pillow size. 3) Iron fabric smooth. 4) Trace whatever design (in this case letter) you like on the pillow-I just free handed the r.  5) Fill in with permanent fabric marker. 6) Iron fabric to "set" ink. 7) Again wash (in COLD water) the inked fabric to ensure no bleeding. 8) Once washed and dried, iron again to flatten the fabric for smoother sewing. 9) Put the "faces" (the good sides or the sides you want to show) against one another so the back sides are outward for sewing. 10) Sew 3 sides approximately 1/4 inch from seam. 11) Flip sewn fabric right side out (so now the faces are outward for viewing). 12) Stuff to desired "comfy" level. 13) Sew up fourth side. 

If you want to make the flower detail you'll follow steps 1-8 above and then: cut pieces from the excess fabric (I free handed) of whatever size you're wanting for the flower.  I just cut however many until I thought it looked good (I think it was approximately 14 or so little pieces).  Gather 1 piece at a time and hand stitch 4-8 stitches at the bottom of the "leaf" right on the front of the pillow front. Do so until you've achieved your desired look.  I wanted to use a button for the flower center but didn't have one on hand so I used a circular piece of fabric and just stitched it on.  Then proceed with steps 9-13 from above.

Aren't they great?!  I'm really glad I did this and I enjoy the look they bring to both the couch and the living room now.

If you're looking for more pillow inspiration check out the web!  They are usually pretty simple to make and can really add to the texture and look of a room.  I'm thinking about making a few of these for the bedroom.

I hope you've enjoyed my "tutorial" in pillow making and hope you were inspired to make something for yourself!

Have you made anything recently that you're proud of?