April 1, 2011

Fabric + Cookie Sheets= Fab Trays!

I have had this little project on my to do list for months now. I saw a photo on another blog (that sadly does not exist anymore) and a video tute is actually on Martha.  I just never got around to it but once I did, I seriously wondered at my crafty prowess.  This particular DIY was a bit tricky.
I actually bought my cookie sheets from the dollar tree (the mini 13 x 9 ones).
I was not sure what fabric I was going to use but I went with the green.
I laid out a rough amount of fabric that I knew could cover around the front, edges, nooks and crannies (that nearly drove me loony), and the back. After doing it, I realized I should have been more precise with my cutting to make it look neater on the bottom of the cookie sheet. 
To adhere the fabric, I used spray adhesive.  
My word, this sticky stuff is really hard for me to work with.  
 But it's very forgiving on fabric so you can pull it up if it starts to bunch.  
I just sprayed the middle and up the edges first...
...and laid my fabric and started working it into the corners.  
Warning: This is not as easy as it seems.
See the bunching here in the corner?  This happens a lot and I had to keep lifting it up and redoing it.
Once I was totally exasperated happy with my corners, I flipped it over and began going over the edges starting with the longer sides first.
There are a lot of rolled edges so it was hard to tuck the fabric in there.  I would use a sturdy, plastic knife to kind of tuck it in there.  While you are at it, use a dough scraper or credit card to get out all the bubbles on the flat parts.
Now here is the part that made me almost not post this tray tute but I figured we all are not perfect, sometimes we need to hide our oopses and enjoy the process.  
So I posted to tell you what NOT to do.  
At my expense.
Your welcome. :)

You are supposed to fold the edges in like a present. As you can see at the top I did not do that. Not enough fabric.  But on the other side, I had too much!  Will I ever learn to take my time? Probably not

Weellllllll...I folded it in too much so it got all crazy looking. My advice? I would actually try NOT to make such a severe fold, and factor this in when you initially cut the fabric. I wing it too much.
I did cut off the excess but ended up exposing some of the tray on the bottom which just plain irked me.
The last step is to adhere felt to the back to give it a nice clean finish. I used a 8 x 11 piece of craft felt and cut it to size...the wrong size. You like how I stretched it a bit on one corner?
Sheesh.  Now I really am regretting this post even as I type.  But I will probably still post it because hey...I am not perfect and hopefully you will still love me. 
Even if my crafty endeavors sorta, kinda...don't work out like I hope.
Ahhh...yet when you flip it over...no one sees the crafty woopsie and it still serves it's adorable purpose.
I think it is really pretty and I want to make a ton of these! 

I think they are great for a coffee table or a sturdy surface on my ottoman.  

How about for a great Spring tablescape?  

I love the idea (since they are small) to use them at each place setting for a dinner party.

What could you see them used for?  
I would love to hear your ideas!
Hugs to all you super creative and lovely friends!

linking to:
Tip Junkie handmade projects



March 29, 2011

Chiffon Corsage: Good Living Magazine Project 3



Nope.  I  did not publish the wrong post by mistake and I do realize Mother's Day is almost 2 months away.
It IS a tad early to be featuring this but the magazine issue comes out this month and the next issue will not be until Summer.  So it needed to be on the blog for the tutorial and well...that's that. :)

We have all seen this flower craze ebb and flow but what I love about these flowers corsages is they are so delicate, feminine, and completely appropriate on a day like Easter and especially Mother's Day.  Who wouldn't love a handmade gift like this to treasure for always and not just for one day?
 I love these so much!  They have a modern feel without feeling too overdone.
Another bonus?
They are incredibly light on your wrist!
 This yummy grey and brown combo is just so pretty!

Here is how you make one...






 
 I will try to re-post this one closer to Mother's Day.  
Hugs and smiles to each of you dear friends!  
All of you bless my socks off!

linking to:
 
Tip Junkie handmade projects



March 27, 2011

My Abiding Obsession with Garlands Continues...

Well here is another "future" shop item. 
(Will it ever open?  Dunno.)  
And yep.  Another garland. I can't get enough of 'em.  I really can't.
This one is made with hot pink (fuchsia?) felt and fishing line. I decided to add some rings at the end for easier hanging in case this would be a permanent fixture in a little girls room or simply for easier hanging.
 Here is my oldest daughter thinking it is extra long bling. Isn't she so squeezable?
 I just sighed with all the happy feelings this pinky goodness brings me. 

P.S.  I do apologize for some blurriness. 
I suspect it is due to the teeny people fingerprints I found on my lens.

March 21, 2011

Good Living Magazine: Paper & Button Flowers Project 2


These adorable flowers evolved from an entirely different idea and I am so glad they did.  I seem to do that constantly.  And every time I look at these, I feel happy.

So I do a happy dance. 

I know that buttons and paper flowers are not a new concept.  But I like the simplicity of this project that can appeal to all ages.  PLUS...I wanted something classy smooshed with super, duper, wuper EASY!  

March 17, 2011

Blogger's Day of Silence


Tomorrow I will be participating in the Blogger's Day of Silence to show respect and awareness regarding the devastation in Japan. You can also get involved by donating to help raise funds for shelterbox.  Please join me in a day of silence TOMORROW and tell everyone you can in the blogging community to promote awareness.

To find out a little more detail please visit Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours for more detailed information on the specifics of this two part initiative in helping with both fundraising and the blogger's day of silence.

Please join me friends.  A little help makes a HUGE difference.


March 15, 2011

No Sew Eyeglasses Case: Good Living Magazine Project #1

 
 I am so excited to share this easy peasy tutorial!  
I have gone back and forth on when to post these projects but the magazine I craft for has been a bit ambiguous on their actual print date but the article and three crafts I made direct back to this blog for the tutorials in the march archives.  And they are more geared towards Easter and Mother's Day so sorry if this is kind of early. But having finished tutorial posts just sitting there waiting to be published is hard!

So here is Project #1:
 This is actually a spin off  of a craft I did last year around this time.  
You might  remember this one below...

An eyeglasses case made from a potholder!

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