Mandy's Krafty Exploits

Stuffed Animal Storage

2013-07-18T16:57:00.001-04:00

What you'll need:

(2) 3M Command strip hooks
(2) shower hooks or rings of some type (metal would be fine, just make sure they fit in the command strip hook; I used the clear so it can't be seen as well)
1/2 yard of fabric (either 1/4 yard of one and 1/4 yard of another or just 1/2 yard of one single fabric - I choose two different fabrics)
Basic sewing supplies
Abundance of stuffed animals!

Here's how:

Iron your fabric and sew a nice hem on the top of the front piece of fabric. You could do this with the back piece also, but I'm lazy and it's not going to be seen as much, so I just left it.

Lay two pieces of fabric right sides together. (Or if you are using one whole piece of fabric, just fold it in half right sides together.)

If you have a serger, use it here! I don't so I just did a zig zag stitch down the left side, across the bottom and then up the right side. I followed by doing a straight stitch on the inside of my zig zag for a little extra support.

Notice how I curved the corners, you don't have to do this, but I did.

Now for adding the rings.
Figure out just where you want them by doing a little something like this:

And sew ensuring you leave enough room for the ring to fit though. Give it a little more room than you would think - trust me on this one!

Slip the ring on through...

...and VOILA! Do this on both sides and you're almost done!

Hang the 3M strips so they are level and hang the fabric up! I would recommend just hanging the fabric and leaving it alone for a while so the 3M strips can really adhere to the wall before adding stuffed animals. I left mine overnight and really tested it out in the morning. So far, it hasn't fallen down!

** Note: I only recommend putting this in a child's room if you know they won't harm themselves with it somehow!

Child's Library Bag

2012-11-12T15:47:00.001-05:00

This is essentially the same as my Reversible Library Bag, but I've added a spot for a library card and pencils - making it not reversible. But you don't have to add the pocket so that it can be reversible! This bag is also smaller than the adult one. Please refer to the tutorial here if you need more pictures - it has step by step pictures. The only ones in this tutorial are of additions to the bag. Now, let's get started!

What you'll need:

1 fabric strip for the contrast strip on the front, 5" x 12"
1 fabric strip for the left front, 4.5" x 12"
1 fabric strip for the right front, 8" x 12"
1 piece of fabric for the back, 16.5" x 12"
2 pieces of fabric for the lining, each 16.5" x 12"
4 pieces of fabric for the straps, each 1" x 18"
4 pieces of fusible interfacing for the straps, each 1" x 18" (optional)
1 piece of fabric for pocket, 5" x 8"

If you don't want to have a contrast strip, just replace the contrast strip, and the left and right front pieces with a front panel measured at 16.5" x 12".

Here's how:

Iron your fabric and cut out all pieces.

Place your contrast strip and left front piece right sides together and sew. Press the seam open.

Place your right front piece right sides together with the contrast strip and sew together. Press seam open.

Place your bag front right sides together with the bag back. Sew together along the SIDES and BOTTOM. Not the top!

Creating the gussets:
Fold the bag so the side seams are centered on the top and bottom (on top of each other). This will make a point at the bottom of the bag. Measure 2" from the tip of the point and cut off in a straight line.

Pin each flap. Sew each corner, separately.

Onto the inside of the bag, the lining:
The pocket will go on the lining piece. First, fold over 1/4" of fabric on all four sides and press.

How I folded the corners:

Before sewing it on the lining, sew a straight line across the top of the pocket, so it looks finished and keeps the fabric folded. You want to do this first so it's not attached to the lining.

Place it where you want it to be on the lining and sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side. Do not sew the top.

Then measure 1 1/2" over and sew down once and again another 1 1/2" over from that spot. This is for the pencils!

Place the two lining pieces right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom, just as you did the outside of the bag.

Now create the gussets just as you did for the outside of the bag - Side seams together, make a point, measure 2" up and cut a straight line. Pin and sew each flap.

Straps:
Fold each strap lengthwise wrong sides together and press.

Open the fold. Place interfacing above crease.

Fold fabric over interfacing and press. Place another interfacing strip below the crease and do the same for the bottom half of the fabric.

Fold strap in half at the crease and press.

Sew strap along the folded edge and along the open edge to close it up. Repeat on opposite strap.

Pin one strap to the front of the bag, each end 3 1/2" from the sides. The bag is outside out now! The strap will lay on the outside of the bag once sewn on, until the lining is in. Sew in place. Repeat on the back side of the bag with other strap. Make sure you don't catch the other side of the bag when sewing the strap on.

Insert the outside bag into the lining, with the right sides touching. The straps go inside, too.

Line up the side seams and pin in place. Sew together, leaving a 3" section open on the back. Flip it right side out now, through the opening you just left.

Tuck the lining to the inside of the bag. Press, tucking the raw edges of your open stitch to the inside of the bag. Edge stitch around the top of the bag to close up the opening and give it a nice finished look. Make sure the straps stay out of the way when you top stitch.

Reversible Library Bag

2012-11-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

What you'll need:

1 fabric strip for the contrast strip on the front, 5" x 15"
1 fabric strip for the left front, 4.5" x 15"
1 fabric strip for the right front, 8" x 15"
1 piece of fabric for the back, 16.5" x 15"
2 pieces of fabric for the lining, each 16.5" x 15"
4 pieces of fabric for the straps, each 1" x 18"
4 pieces of fusible interfacing for the straps, each 1" x 18" (optional)

Here's How:
Iron your fabric and cut out all pieces.

Place your contrast strip and left front piece right sides together and sew. Press the seam open.

Place your right front piece right sides together with the contrast strip and sew together. Press seam open.

I did a decorative edge stitch on the front at this point, but this is optional.

Place your bag front right sides together with the bag back. Sew together along the SIDES and BOTTOM. Not the top!

Creating the gussets:
Fold the bag so the side seams are centered on the top and bottom (on top of each other). This will make a point at the bottom of the bag. Measure 2" from the tip of the point and cut off in a straight line.

Pin each flap.

Sew each corner, separately. This is what your bag should look like at this point.

Onto the inside of the bag, the lining:
Place the two lining pieces right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom, just as you did the outside of the bag.

Now create the gussets just as you did for the outside of the bag - Side seams together, make a point, measure 2" up and cut a straight line. Pin and sew each flap.

Straps:
1. Fold each strap lengthwise wrong sides together and press.

2. Open the fold. Place interfacing above crease.

3. Fold fabric over interfacing and press. Place another interfacing strip below the crease and do the same for the bottom half of the fabric.

4. The bottom strap is what it should look like.

5. Fold strap in half at the crease and press.

Sew strap along the folded edge and along the open edge to close it up. Repeat on opposite strap.

Pin one strap to the front of the bag, each end 3 1/2" from the sides. Notice the bag is outside out now! The strap will lay on the outside of the bag once sewn on, until the lining is in. Sew in place. Repeat on the back side of the bag with other strap. Make sure you don't catch the other side of the bag when sewing the strap on.

Insert the outside bag into the lining, with the right sides touching. The straps go inside, too.

Line up the side seams and pin in place. Sew together, leaving a 3" section open on the back. Flip it right side out now, through the opening you just left.

Thanksgiving Countdown for Kids

2012-10-15T19:58:00.001-04:00

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is coming up! With the help of Stephanie at Somewhat Simple, I've "krafted" a fun countdown to Turkey Day! Not only is this fun for kids to do, but gives them opportunity to show their thankfulness and makes them aware of why they should be thankful.

Since the latest Thanksgiving can be is November 28, I went ahead and did 28 pieces on my craft.

Let's get the tutorial started!

Here's what you'll need:

- Scrapbook paper

- Laminate (this isn't necessary, but with kids and using the countdown more than once, I figured it would be good to use it)

- Ribbon (or a container to put activities in)
- Small clothespins (if using a container - you won't need these)

- Paint or decorations for the clothespins (optional)

Here's how:

After borrowing some topics and ideas from Somewhat Simple, along with creating some of my own, I printed out these fun things to do: (Please feel free to borrow any of these that you would like!)

ANIMALS VOLUNTEER AT THE HUMANE SOCIETY	CHURCH HELP CLEAN THE CHURCH	MY MOM WRITE MOM A NOTE AND BUY FLOWERS FOR HER	OUR CAR HELP CLEAN UP THE CAR AND FILL IT UP WITH GAS
FIREFIGHTERS TAKE TREATS AND A THANK YOU CARD TO THE FIRE STATION	POLICEMEN TAKE TREATS AND A THANK YOU CARD TO THE POLICE STATION	MY HOUSE HELP CLEAN UP A ROOM AND KEEP IT CLEAN FOR A WEEK	CLOTHES GIVE AN OUTFIT TO SOMEONE IN NEED
FOOD MAKE SUPPER TONIGHT AS A FAMILY	PASTOR WRITE A NOTE TO HIM AND DELIVER IT WITH A TREAT	MY NOSE BUY SOME FLOWERS AND PLANT THEM	BOOKS GO TO THE LIBRARY AND PICK OUT SOME THANKSGIVING BOOKS
COUSINS WRITE A LETTER TO ONE OF YOUR COUSINS	SCRIPTURE MAKE A POSTER OF YOUR FAVORITE VERSE AND HANG IT IN YOUR ROOM	TOYS GIVE SOME OF YOUR TOYS TO ANOTHER CHILD	NATURE GO ON A WALK AS A FAMILY
MY TEACHERS MAKE A PLATE OF COOKIES AND A CARD FOR YOUR TEACHERS AT CHURCH	NEIGHBORS RAKE THE LEAVES FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR	MY FAMILY PLAY A GAME TOGETHER, INSIDE OR OUTSIDE	MUSIC MAKE UP A SONG – EITHER WORDS OR TUNE
MY DAD MAKE YOUR DAD AN ICE CREAM TREAT	GRANDPARENTS CALL AND TELL THEM “I LOVE YOU. I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU”	FRIENDS INVITE SOME OVER TO PLAY	PRAYERS SAY A “THANKFUL PRAYER” & DON’T ASK FOR ANYTHING
MY EYES WATCH A MOVIE WITH YOUR FAMILY	DOCTORS WRITE A NOTE TO YOUR DOCTOR THANKING HIM FOR HELPING TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY	MISSIONARIES SEND A CARE PACKAGE TO A MISSIONARY	MAKE YOUR OWN COME UP WITH A REASON WHY YOU ARE THANKFUL AND AN ACTIVITY TO GO WITH IT

I printed them on the white side of the scrapbook paper and cut them in 1.5"w x 2.5"h pieces. Then I laminated them.

For the clothes pins, I used the extra paper. I just decoupaged the clothespin, put the paper on, let it dry and then did one more layer of decoupage. I added a button with some fabric glue I had leftover from my canvas box. Some of them received a little glitter, too.

After decorating the clothes pins, I hung up each piece onto the ribbon and put the ribbon on the wall. (Oh how I miss having a mantle!!!)

Simply have the kids pick one a day until Thanksgiving and follow the instructions on the paper! I will just leave the completed ones turned over and maybe after Thanksgiving, we can look back on what we've done and share what we learned from doing some of them.

You could put numbers on them too, but kids like to pick them, so I opted for no numbers.

Mandy

Sorry! All links are fixed now!

2012-09-26T16:31:00.002-04:00

I just realized this week that my Follow Me on Pinterest link wasn't working and that no pictures were showing up when the Pin It button was used. I've done my best to fix all of them. Sorry for any extra hassle this may have caused!

Reversible Coffee Cozy

2012-09-26T16:17:00.002-04:00

Well, this project seemed easy - but I just couldn't get it! I threw my first three attempts away! I have no clue why I couldn't wrap my brain around it! Especially because, in the end, it's actually quite easy!

Hopefully the pain I went through for this will turn out a really great and well explained tutorial!

Here's what you'll need:

- Two coordinating fabrics (1/4 yard each)
- Insul-Bright (1/4 yard)
- 2 buttons
- Elastic
- Standard sewing equipment (Machine, rotary cutter/mat, tracing paper, pins)
- Cozy pattern or cardboard cozy to trace

For the fabric, I traced around a cardboard cozy I already had and added 1/4" all the way around. Then for the Insul-Bright, I traced around the cardboard without adding anything. I did it on plain paper and will save it for more cozies.

Here's how:
Trace your template on the two fabrics and Insul-Bright. Cut it out. Cut your elastic 4 -5 inches long.

Make a loop with your elastic and lay the loop side on the right side of the fabric and on the inside on the fabric.

Pin. Then sew across the elastic back and forth a few times to secure it on there.

Lay your fabric right sides together, making sure the loop is in between them and all you see is the tails of the elastic. Then lay the Insul-Bright down against the wrong side of one of the fabrics. This should be the order:

Pin!!! With it this thick, pinning should be required!

Start sewing from the bottom and go around, ensuring to leave a space big enough for you to flip it right side out! I usually do a reverse stitch at the beginning and end so it doesn't come unraveled as I flip.

For turning corners, make sure your needle is in the down position. Lift the presser foot and turn the fabric. You can manually put the needle down by turning the wheel on right side of your machine towards you.

Take care to clean up an Insul-Bright "dust" from your machine - it can be nasty!

Cut the corners off.

Flip it right side out. Use either dull scissors or a point turner to get the corners all flipped correctly.

I hadn't cut off the corner yet, but if you look closely at the bottom, you can see where I left a gap for flipping.

Iron it and sew a top stitch all the way around. It can be a little rough with two layers of cotton, plus the batting, so take it slow! I used a seam ripper to get that little extra thread off when I was done, but scissors will work too. I just think the seam ripper gets closer to the fabric.

Now for the buttons!

Fold your cozy so the ends meet and put a pencil through the loop.

Make a mark at the farthest point the elastic reaches WITHOUT stretching it. This is where you will sew the buttons.

If you know how to sew on buttons, go for it! I didn't and had to look it up, so if you don't want to go searching around for how to do it - I added these instructions.

I would suggest using smaller buttons, it makes it easier to finish off the button at the end. I learned this the hard way, unfortunately.

Thread your needle, and tie a knot at the end. Push it through your mark on the fabric and then add a button on the side without the knot. Then go back through and add the button on the other side. Back and forth until you feel the buttons are secure enough. Anywhere from 6-10 times depending on a two-hole or four-hole buttons. I usually do it way more than I need to. Then on your last stitch, go through one button and out the fabric on the other side (not through the button though).

I pulled on the buttons a little bit to loosen them up so I could get the elastic around them. Now, using the extra thread, wrap it around the thread between button and material about 6 times.

It was really hard to go and back stitch on the other side to finish it off, since I have a button there, so I just slide the needle through the thread and a little fabric.

Then I wrapped it around one time and did that again then cut the thread. Hopefully it stays put! If this doesn't I will let you know! However, I don't see why it won't.

I would love to see pictures of a coffee cozy you made using this tutorial!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to pin this on Pinterest, but please don't use my pictures for any other reason without my permission!

Mandy

Mirror Up-cycle

2012-09-24T11:36:00.001-04:00

I've seen mirror up-cycles all over the place and since I had this old mirror sitting around for quite a while, I decided it could really use some sprucing up.

I had left over gems from the wall art I made last spring, so I thought, "Why not add a little more mirror to my mirror?" I laid out all the gems to make sure I had enough and that I liked it, but it was looking a little plain, so I painted a few hearts red and added them in! I just used the fabric glue I already had to adhere them to the mirror.

Here's my finished project! It definitely is more attractive!

Growth Chart

2012-07-04T16:00:00.001-04:00

I absolutely love the idea of showcasing and capturing my children's growth! Maybe it stems from my Grandpa doing this with all the grandkids...

I've found a few ideas online, but most of them were all big 7 foot long boards, and I wanted something different. Something that would be easy to move and not so big and bulky. I decided to make a roll-up growth chart!

What You'll Need:

-6.5 feet of canvas

-Canvas Marker (I used FabricMate found in the craft area of Hobby Lobby- for the numbers and lines I used the Chisel Tip and for the names and dates just the smallest tip. I also plan on doing different colors for each child - but for now I only have one!)

-2 dowels (or 1 cut in half)

-Paint (for the dowel)

-Ruler/Yard stick

-String

-Basic sewing supplies (machine, thread, rotary cutter/mat, measuring tape)

Here's how:

Cut your fabric to desired length and width. I cut mine 6.5 feet long and 12 inches wide. Iron it well. The wrinkles may fall out after a while, but with canvas it takes a long while.

The next step is completely optional. I chose to do it because it keeps it a little neater. Sew a hem all along each side of the canvas and iron it. I actually ironed it first, this made the canvas stay put better.

Sew a casing for your painted dowel (or non-painted if you so desire - if you are really rustic and outdoorsy, you could even do a tree branch or something fun like that!).

Draw your "foot" lines thick and long. Then add the "half-foot" and/or "quarter-foot" lines. Don't forget this is where you need to measure! If you just go and draw lines...well, it won't end well. Draw, stencil, or trace your numbers next to the "foot" lines.

After sliding in the dowels, wrap some string around each side of the top dowel and hang it by the string!

There you have it!

Thanks for reading!

Mandy

Another New Gadget!

2012-07-03T18:30:00.003-04:00

I've just added a Facebook button! Come and like Mandy's Krafty Exploits on Facebook and post pictures of your finished products that you have created using my tutorials!

Mandy

New Gadget!

2012-06-10T20:39:00.002-04:00

I've just add a gadget in the sidebar for you to follow my posts by email!

T-shirt turned work-out shirt

2012-06-09T16:57:00.000-04:00

Here's my shirt before I did any re-vamping.

Here's the after!

Here's what you'll need:
Rotary cutter and mat (scissors will work too)
Old t-shirt
Sewing essentials (machine, thread, etc.)

I simply marked with a marker where I wanted my arm holes to be. It doesn't matter what kind of marker you use here, because you will be cutting it off.

Next, I folded the shirt hot dog style, making sure it was lining up exactly with both sides. You could cut one at a time, but folding it over ensure the cuts are identical.

Cut on the inside of you dashes and save the sleeves.

Next, cut the neck line wherever you like it to be. I pulled to front layer up to line it up with the back, but you can cut it however you want! You could mark it out when you mark the sleeves too.

From the saved sleeve, cut a section out from the middle (this will be what hold the back so it is scrunched). I cut mine longer than needed and after sewing trimmed it off. Cut another part off so it lays out flat, without being folded.

Wrap it around the back part of shirt and pin. If your material isn't the same color on both sides make sure it's inside out when pinning it.

Sew up the little section, ensuring not to get the actual shirt in the seam. Flip the "scrunchie" right side out and trim excess fabric if needed. I went over it a couple times to make sure it stays sewn through washing.

There ya have it! A nice loose workout shirt!

Grocery Bag Holder

2012-04-12T19:49:00.001-04:00

I completed another Pinterest project! This time, thanks to the inspiration of Ashley. I changed a few things from her tutorial to suit my own style, but here it goes!

Here's what you'll need:
7 strips of fabric measuring 18" x 4"
12" of matching ribbon
2 pieces of elastic (one measuring 10"; another measuring 6")
Sewing essentials (machine, thread, needle)

Here's How:
Cut your 7 strips of fabric 18" long by 4" wide and lay them out how you want them.

I think the hardest part for me was figuring out which strips I wanted where. But! I got it accomplished!

Sew strips together along the length of fabric and iron the seams down. (This helps when stuffing the holder with bags!)

On one end of the fabric, create a casing for the elastic. Do this by folding 1/4" of the top fabric over, iron it and then fold it over again 1/2", iron it. Sew, leaving enough room for the elastic to fit through. Repeat on the other end.

String the 10" elastic through casing that you want the top of the bag to be and the 6" through the bottom casing. Sew the elastic.

Now flip the bag inside out and sew your bag up! Zig zag stitch will hold it best, especially if you are REALLY going to stuff it with bags!

Once it's all straightened out sew on the ribbon. I ironed the ribbon under so it doesn't fray. (You can partially see in the picture below). You could hand sew the ribbon on (which I will definitely do if I ever make another one!) I used my machine and it got away from me slightly.

This is why I would have hand sewn it...oh well, mistakes happen!

Yes! Now a place for all those pesky bags I tend to collect (even though I've been trying my best to use my "green" bags when shopping!)

Bedroom Wall Art 2

2012-04-10T15:51:00.002-04:00

Another bedroom wall art? I think, YES!

I started out painting a canvas red.

Cut out a heart and traced it with pencil.

Then glued on my gems!

It looks like it's missing something, so I think I will add some black vinyl lettering underneath the heart.

Displaying photos for $1

2012-02-28T14:18:00.000-05:00

I have almost two million pictures of my Stud-Man. I joke - but it feels like two million! Picture frames can be expensive and once you have them all hung up, it can be quite overwhelming. Here's a cheap and fun way to display your photos without using a frame!

All I did was buy a cheap wooden oval (at my favorite store - Hobby Lobby, and you know it - at 50% off!) then I painted it. Once it was dry, I added the picture. I put my lovely decoupage on the back of the picture and placed it right where I wanted. Next I added two, smooth layers of decoupage over the top of the whole oval and let it dry.

I'm sure all of the professional photographers out there are just cringing, but that's ok! It actually didn't ruin the picture!

Will it fall off? Does the decoupage really hold the picture on there? I did this about two weeks ago and the picture is still sticking to the wood. It hasn't shown any signs of peeling.

Bedroom Wall Art

2012-02-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

I LOVE red! It just so happens, a lot of red things go on sale after Valentine's Day - just for being red! I found a nice red, metal wall hanging for 88% off! I added my own little saying to it and now my bedroom wall has something nice and spicy!

Children's Reading Log

2012-02-11T22:02:00.004-05:00

I enjoy reading to my Stud-Man and hope that he will enjoy reading on his own someday. I was thinking of ways kids could document their reading and then maybe earn something for it. Here is what I came up with! The child could either put a sticker or check mark in the box or write in how many pages they read.

Click here if you want to see a better picture or print one for yourself!

At the end of each month, if the child has read every day (or gotten to their goals for total pages read), they could get a small gift or have a fun ice cream date. And this one would be big! At the end of the year, if they read every day they would get a BIG gift. It might be a good idea to decide on what that big gift would be at the beginning of the year, then the child can work towards it.

Cloth Wipes Solution

2012-02-06T18:13:00.002-05:00

I LOVE cloth diapers! I also enjoy saving money! Here is a cloth wipes solution for you to use if you decide you don't want to spend big $$ on wipes. I use disposable wipes still, especially for outings and big poo blowouts, but these are very easy to just throw in my wet bag and wash with the cloth diapers. (Not to mention, these are products I already had, so I didn't have to buy extra stuff to make this solution).

Here's what you'll need:

2 tablespoons baby oil

2 tablespoons baby wash or shampoo

1 1/2 cups water

Wipes storage container or spray bottle

Baby washcloths

Here's how:

Mix the three ingredients and pour over your wipes. They will be pre-soaked and ready to wipe those little buns right up.

Or, pour the solution into a spray bottle and simple spray on the washcloth when ready to wipe!

Canvas Wall Art

2012-02-01T20:48:00.007-05:00

I have been wanting something for Stud-Man's room and I thought about finding the alphabet in different sizes and colors or designs and hang each letter on the wall separately until Hobby Lobby had canvas on sale! Then the brilliant thought came to me! Here it is:

I also made one for our future piano room.

I just covered a canvas frame with fabric I found the remnants bin! I used contact paper for the letters that I cut with my cricut, then stuck them on the fabric where I wanted them and started painting. Before the paint dried completely, I pulled the contact paper off with the help of a toothpick, and used a Q-tip to wipe up any bleeding.

I love how I can still see the fabric though the paint on the music one, but the alphabet one is a little crazy. It's growing on me though, and the farther away you stand, the better it looks.

Upcycling Baby Formula Cans

2012-01-30T17:07:00.000-05:00

We go through formula cans pretty quickly and I hate throwing away such a big item that could be put to use. However, they aren’t that attractive just by themselves- they needed something more.

Using my lovely decoupage I figured something out! I always could use more storage for my crafting supplies- scrapbooking, sewing, or for bathroom supplies, maybe kitchen utensils? I’m sure I’ll get to use some for anything I come up with as we will definitely keep using formula cans!

What you’ll need:

Any can (the bigger the better!)

Decoupage (you can make it yourself here)

Sponge brush

Scrapbook paper of your choosing

Paper cutter

Measuring tape

Here's how:

First and foremost- clean out that can!

You will also want to take off the label from the outside, because once you put the new paper and decoupage on the first layer of paper bubbles up and makes your beautiful creation look, well, not so beautiful. Trust me.

Once the can is clean and naked, measure it by height and circumference. Cut your paper accordingly. For big cans, you will most likely need two pieces of paper.

Now “paint” the can with the decoupage. You can do this part in sections if you’d like. Apply the paper after a layer of decoupage has been applied, then add another layer of decoupage on top of the paper. Doing this just once should be fine, but make sure the seam has a good thick layer.

Take your brush and get rid of any excess decoupage and let it dry.

Decorate with stickers, vinyl letters, anything you want. You could probably even throw a photo on there and decoupage that too.

Fabric liner

2012-01-30T13:38:00.006-05:00

I have finally gotten a tutorial on the fabric liner together! I am posting almost a billion pictures (because I’d rather use a tutorial that “shows” me how to do it, rather than just read it all). Hope you don’t mind!

If you haven’t sewn much before, may I suggest trying this out with a small basket first? If things go wrong, you will have used MUCH less fabric. Not to mention, trying with less fabric will be a lot easier.

What you’ll need:

Fabric of your choosing (my diaper box only required ½ yard)

Measuring tape

Scissors (or rotary cutter and mat – I used these)

Thread

Pins

Sewing machine

Box or basket of your choosing

Here’s how:

In this tutorial I will refer to the “right side” and “wrong side” of the fabric.

Measure your box:

Start from the outside at the point in which you want your liner to go to. I wanted 3 inches of my liner to show on the outside of the box, so I started with 3 inches, then I took my measuring tape down the inside, across the bottom, back up the other side, and down 3 inches on the outside again.

Do this for the length and width of your box. Cut your fabric in those measurements. Your fabric will be a big rectangle at this point.

This next part is my least favorite, because I hate trying to think through measurements. My husband helped me with this part, since he’s so smart! I hope I can explain it so you understand! If not, just comment with your questions and I’ll get my answers posted for you!

Lay fabric out with the right side up and find the center point of the long side. So, if your fabric is 30”, your center point is going to be at 15”. Mark it with a pin. Now, measure the long side of the box. Add 1/2” to that measurement for seam allowance. Go ahead and divide that number by 2.

Example: Box = 10 long, add ½, making it 10 ½ total. 10 ½ divided by 2 = 5 ¼

Remember where that pin is? Now, measure your divided number (in the example it was 5 ¼) from that pin to the left and make a slit at the end of the fabric. Also do this from the pin to the right. You should end up with the box length plus a half inch in between your slits.

Repeat this same procedure on the other long side.

For the short sides, you will do the same procedure with your SHORT side of the box measurements (plus the ½” for seam allowance).

The next step will be cutting out squares in the four corners of your fabric, making a cross. Start with one corner, cut each slit on either side of the corner until the lines intersect, giving you a leftover square.

I used a ruler to ensure a straight line and to know how far to cut that first slit. Repeat this on all four corners and VOILA, you have a cross.

If you want to ensure your measurements are right, measure each section and it should equal the box length plus ½”.

Now for the fun part! Sewing!

With your fabric laying right side up, fold side 1 onto side 2, lining up the sides evenly. Pin and sew.

Don't forget, we only left room for a 1/4" seam.

When it is laid back down it will look like this:

Now you will sew side A to side B, just like you did with 1 and 2.

Here’s how I folded it up to sew (I told you there would be a million pictures!).

A & B are sewn and here's the fabric laid out.

I’m sure you’ve got it figured out, but I took the pictures so I’ll add them anyways. You do the same to sides C and D, then one more time to E and F.

Almost done! Hemming it up: I folded my fabric like this so that I could fold all the sides over so that they were equal, since my cutting wasn't perfect.

Then I ironed the folded tops.

Then go ahead and hem it all the way around.

Congrats! You’ve done it! You now have a fabulous liner made with the fabric you love!

Questions? Here's your answers!

Is it possible to do this without sewing? I don't think the liner would stay together without sewing it, but if you wanted to continue the canvas from the diaper box into the inside, spray adhesive would work for that.

Edit! "No-Sew Hem Tape" might work.

I bought the fabric at Hobby Lobby! I love that store!

Lined Canvas Diaper Box

2012-01-17T18:51:00.004-05:00

You can find almost anything on Pinterest…it’s true. Upon ~~wasting my time~~ searching the other day, I found a fantastic tutorial on upcycling diaper boxes. Hmmm…what could I do with this? Oh, yes – toys scattered all about our living room floor: check, a desire to get said toys put away when not in use: check, cute fabric laying there staring at me: check! I decided to take on this project!

I changed some things from this tutorial I found, but you could use either hers or mine. They are basically the same.

My pictures are definitely not as good as hers :) And the boxes in the pictures are sometimes different as I have done a few of these.

What you’ll need

Diaper Box

Canvas fabric (1 yard covered two diaper boxes)

Measuring tape

Spray adhesive

Craft glue

Scissors (or rotary cutter and mat)

Here’s how

Cut the flaps off of your box. Might I suggest using an x-acto knife? Scissors were a big pain to work with! Tape the handles down on the sides of the box, making a little more support and backing for the canvas.

Measure the outside width and length of the box. I found that ironing my canvas prior to adhesion worked best. Cut canvas to those measurements.

Width

Length

Cut your fabric

Mine was 25 x 31

Center your box on the canvas. (Pull up the sides to make sure it’s right in the middle…try both the short and the long sides. You DON’T want to get half glued on only to find out it wasn’t in the center!)

Measure out from corner of the box (to the corner of your fabric) 2 inches and mark it with a pin. [The optional tutorial used a disappearing ink marker, but with black fabric…eh, a pin worked just fine.] Then cut a straight line from your pin to both the outsides of your fabric. (You will end up cutting out a fabric square- you won’t need it.) Do this with all the corners and it will be a cross when finished.

Don’t forget to cut the 2 inches from the pin toward the box.

Spray your adhesive on the long sides of box and pull up the canvas sides. Smooth out the fabric. Do this on both side of the box. (Unfortunately no picture for this.) Go ahead and spray a small strip of adhesive on the short ends of your box and fold over the extra fabric.

On your short side “flap” apply a line of craft glue as if continuing a line from the box.

Fold over the extra fabric so it's even with the box and smooth it out.

Do this on both sides so that the folded fabric is aligned with your box. Now spray the short side of the box with adhesive and lift fabric onto it and smooth it out. Repeat on the other side.

If the canvas goes above your box simply cut it off (or leave it!) and if it is a bit too short, don’t worry about it. The liner should cover it!

Semi-finished product

The tutorial for the fabric liner can be found here! Enjoy!

Thank you for all your kind posts!
Questions? Go ahead and ask away. I will try to keep the answers updated on this same post.

Using wallpaper instead of canvas: I imagine wallpaper would work great since I used a spray adhesive rather than hot glue or regular glue. In fact, any fabric will most likely work. I used canvas as I thought that it would stand up to wear and tear better than others.

Using canvas on the inside: You could totally continue the canvas on the inside instead of sewing a liner! Just make your "cross" sections longer!

Do you think I could get away with doing the whole thing with liquid glue instead of spray adhesive? Using regular glue or even hot glue would most likely work; however, you may get bubbles and bumps after it dries. The box might also warp a little bit. If you try it, go ahead and let me know! I'd love to hear if it works!

DIY Decoupage

2012-01-17T15:52:00.000-05:00

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Mod Podge is so expensive”? Me too! After looking online for anything that could take the place of it, I found something just great! A do it yourself decoupage “recipe”. And the real kicker – it only cost me 74 cents! Compare that to $3.99…DEAL!

What you’ll need:

Glue (I used Elmer’s)

Water

A jar of some sort

Here’s how:

Make sure your jar is nice and clean. I used an old baby food jar as it was short enough that I could just dip my brush right in it.

Pour the glue in almost half way up.

Add the same amount of water as you did glue, making it a 50/50 solution.

Shake, shake, shake!

I shake it before every use, even though it doesn’t necessarily look like it needs it. I also clean my lid up a bit before putting it back on so I don’t have to deal with it getting too glued on.

Enjoy!