The Creative Cubby

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2016-03-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hot Air Balloon Fabric Embroidery

2016-01-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Up, up and awaaay! My grandmother gave me this beautiful hot air balloon fabric from her extensive sewing stash. When I saw it, I immediately dreamed of embroidering over the lines to make the balloons really pop off the fabric. Inspiration in the greatest of places.

The problem?
I had never done any embroidery before.

To be clear, I've done oodles and oodles of cross stitch projects, which is a form of embroidery. We know this. But doing that super cool thing of stitching beautiful shapes on fabric? Never.

So I pulled up Sublime Stitching's Tutorials online and gave it a whirl!

I used the full six strands in my embroidery floss and did a simple backstitch. Here's what came out:

Not terrible, right? I wish I had used less strands (maybe three or four) instead of six. I also need to work on my spacing and consistency of stitch length, but otherwise, for a first try, I think I did a good job. Even better, it was a fun! It's faster than cross stitch, which is a huge plus when I get the itch to stitch but don't have a ton of time. And when I'm feeling particularly impatient about completing projects.

I'll have to do a few more hot air balloons. The balloons on the fabric vary in size, so it would be cute to do three finished in wood hoops and hang them together for decor. Better yet, this gave me more ideas for fabric I have stored away.

Have you ever embroidered on fabric like this before? How did it go? Do you have any embroidery tips for me?

#CUBBYPHOTOCHALLENGE :: January

2016-01-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas is behind us but not forgotten. The ‪#‎CubbyPhotoChallenge‬ for the year is the FIRST PROJECT COMPLETED. I made this cross stitch for my aunt during my holiday break. She's been so supportive of my crafty endeavors I thought the best way to thank her was with a piece all her own. I've also been working really hard lately on staging my products. Learning to have the right background and accessories is tough but - what do you think? What's your first project completed?

{This pattern can be purchased in my shop as well.}

What To Do With All of Those Quotes From Pinterest

2016-01-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Like millions of people across the globe, I love Pinterest. My love is simple. I'm a very visual person so I see, I like, I pin. This formula works tremendously well for me. Unfortunately, I use the same methodology for online shopping and as you can imagine, that's no bueno. But I digress...

In my time as a pinner, I've amassed quite the collection of quote images. Some for fitness motivation, some aspirational, some funny. Over time, I've dove into my boards to see the clever words but for the most part, once pinned, they are quickly forgotten. The true tragedy of this is I actually really love most of these quote images. They are beautifully styled. For a while, I've been looking for a way to bring these quotes more to the forefront of my life. Being a crafter, one would imagine I would print them out and have them in a clever display in my home. Unfortunately, my tastes change too frequently to commit to a certain set and by printing I'm limited to the number of images I can see.

On a typical Sunday morning, a brilliant idea occurred to me. Sunday mornings are my time for laundry and cleaning. I turn the music up and go putt around my home. My AppleTV is always the source of my music - not only for Sundays, but for every day. Until this point, my screensaver was a system standard of floral images and I was curious if I could load my own images into the screensaver. You can do it on a laptop, why not AppleTV? Turns out you can! Thus, a dream was born!

The process is really very simple. On any Apple device (MacBook, iPad, iPhone), download the images from Pinterest into your iPhoto library. I found this part particularly fun because it felt like shopping, except I didn't have to spend any money and there wasn't any pesky buyer's remorse.

Next, create a new SHARED album. The "Shared" part is crucial. This won't work otherwise. On the iPhone and iPad, it's the middle navigation button within iPhoto with the Cloud. On MacBook, on the top navigation, select "Shared". Next, hit the "+", give it a name and start adding photos.

All set? Now, it's time to tell your AppleTV that you want to see that screensaver.

Here's your path...
Settings > Screen Saver > Photos > iCloud Photos > Select Album Name

You're all set! If your album is new, you'll need to give the iCloud time to catch up. My album ended up being about 60 pictures (can you imagine if I printed all of those?!) so it took about half an hour for the pictures to fully sync on all devices.

Play with your settings as well! I have my screensaver start after 5 minutes and have it set on "Flip-Up" style. But you do you!

Also, because I loved this idea so much, I added it as my laptop screensaver. To reset your laptop screensaver, here's your path...
System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver > Source (change to your album)

The best part of this is how easy it is to add to it. Next time I find a quote I love, I just add it to my Shared Album and boom! It syncs everywhere.

Now, these beautiful quotables are in my face, reminding me to be ambitious, get my butt moving and stay rad.

[Originally posted on JabberJawsBlog.com]

Simple Beaded Bracelet

2016-01-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

First up for #JustStashJanuary is one of the easiest projects to do, but I can't get enough of it. I found these beautiful teal toned seed beads in a box and of course, I have stretchy cord sitting around. I mean, really, who doesn't?! The two were clearly destined to be together for all of eternity!

As I said, this is the easiest project ever.

1. Unravel cording that can wrap around your wrist four times with a little to spare. Don't cut the cord from the main spool! This will prevent a potential bead catastrophe.

2. Spill your beads and make a plan! In this case, my plan was RANDOM! Aren't those the best?

3. Start stringing from your open end... and stringing... and stringing... until you have your full length. Wrap around your wrist to make sure it's the right length.

4. Satisfied? Cut your cord from the spool and tie the ends. Double knots are great but add a little security with a dab of glue. Super Glue, Gorilla Glue and E6000 are all great choices. Don't forget to trim the ends!

Wrap around your wrist and enjoy to your heart's content! Got more beads? Make more bracelets then stack them and get trendy with your bad self!

#JustStashJanuary 2016

2016-01-02T13:34:00.002-07:00

The challenge is on! Once again, I'm taking the annual challenge with my friend Virginia over at Scribbles & Bits to curb my supplies spending addiction and clear out my craft cubbies. Too much craft shopping leads to a blown budget and overflowing flowing cabinets. What better time to declutter with creativity than the start of the year?!

So, what's the challenge all about?
It's simple.

1. Only use craft supplies you already own.
2. The only allowable purchase is adhesive. Real adhesive... meaning, put down the washi tape! That's cheating.

Dig out those projects you've been meaning to finish. Create something new and exciting from supplies you've been holding on to. Find inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram to source some creativity.

Follow along with my creations as well as Virginia's on Instagram at @jen_evans_ and @myscribblesnbits. Don't forget to use the hashtag #JustStashJanuary to share your inspiring creations!

Let the craftiness commence!

Coming in 2016

2016-01-01T15:15:00.002-07:00

New year... new exciting things in store for The Creative Cubby!

First thing's first, the Cubby Challenges! My love of photography is growing but I'd love even more to connect with all of you. Through photography and crafting, I'd love to see your perspective on the world. Therefore, I've created two challenges to keep the inspiration flowing. Use the hashtags #CubbyPhotoChallenge and #CubbyCraftChallenge on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook so share your images with everyone. I can't wait to see all of your inspiring posts!

Also coming to the blog... monthly Tip Tuesday posts. Once a month I'll be sharing a tip, trick or skill. Most of these will be accompanied by a video tutorial, so stay tuned with hilarious outtakes! Let me know if you have any special requests - especially if I've written something in a tutorial that would be better represented visually.

Speaking of making projects easier, I cannot wait to debut my printable Project Cards. Think recipe cards for all your crafting and DIY projects. I'll break down the materials and tools needed for a project and provide you space to mark off what you have and what you need to buy. No more wasted materials! There will also be blank versions for your own personal projects. Look for them in future posts!

And on the note of shopping, have you noticed the "Shop This Project" section on select posts? Now you can see exactly what I materials or tools I used and where I bought them at the bottom of each blog post. I'm all about making it easy for you!

Fiiiiinally, some of my favorite features are making a return this year. #JustStashJanuary, Camp Crafts Week, Pumpkin Carving Week and a themed Christmas will make a return. Plus I'll be adding a new one for Earth Day.

Keep up with all the fun by signing up for emails following the details below.

Don't forget to follow on Facebook and Instagram as well!

Ready or not, 2016... here I come!

2016 Craft Challenge :: #CubbyCraftChallenge

2016-01-01T14:54:00.001-07:00

Time to share your inspiring perspective and ideas with the #CubbyCraftChallenge. The challenge: Create a project using the materials or designs above. Anything your heart desires! Use the hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to share your creativity with other cubbies! I'll be sharing mine on the blog and on social media... probably with a tutorial because we all know I love to share!

Interested in Photography? Try the #CubbyPhotoChallenge

Stay up to date and get the posts delivered to your inbox by following the below...

Happy Crafting!

2016 Photo Challenge :: #CubbyPhotoChallenge

2016-01-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

Time to share your inspiring perspective and ideas with the #CubbyPhotoChallenge. Use the hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to share your beautiful images with other cubbies! I'll be sharing mine on the blog and on social media... probably with a short anecdote because we all know I love to tell stories!

Want to get crafty with your bad self? Try the #CubbyCraftChallenge

Stay up to date and get the posts delivered to your inbox by following the below...

Happy Photographing!

Happy New Year!

2015-12-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a safe and joyous new year!

Happy Holidays!

2015-12-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sending all the best wishes to you and yours!

Welcome, Winter!

2015-12-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy First Day of Winter!

Wrapping Presents with Ornaments

2015-12-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

Every year, I tend to get a little too fancy with the wrapping. We're talking thick paper, ribbons, and always some type of embellishment. This year, everyone is getting gifts with ornaments on top. I mean, really, it's super pretty and what's life without a little whimsy?

As a bonus, adding ornaments to gifts is an inexpensive and incredibly easy way to dress up the packaging.

I got my ornaments and ribbon at Big Lots - on sale. I love the glitter snowflakes! I've used them in wrapping and decorating for years. The miniatures bulbs were the perfect touch to the top of the gift.

So how do you do it? Simply string the ornaments on twine or ribbon and attached to your package. No fancy techniques. Not tricks. String and tie... and it looks like you spent a bundle on fancy wrapping. Everyone gets free ornaments too!

I also like buying ornaments for people as gifts. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase them! Who says you have to put all gifts inside a box?

Like the gift tags? Get the free printables here!

Happy Wrapping!

Free Printable Polka Dot Christmas Gift Tags

2015-12-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for gift wrapping! I love wrapping gifts. I get creative with decorating the packages and creating fun labels. This year, I decided to do a few printables and share them with you!

It's as easy as print, clip and attach!

These labels look best when printed on card stock, but of course, use whatever paper you fancy. They also look great layered on a piece of colored cardstock (use double-side tape or glue stick to adhere).

Using a hole punch and some twine or ribbon, you can create hanging tags... or use them flat.

Aren't they cute?!

Polka Dot Christmas Gift Tags

Happy Wrapping!

Put Together the Perfect Guest Basket

2015-12-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Every year, millions of people travel to the homes of family and friends for the holidays. While guests are just happy to be in the comforting presence of those close to them, there's always a little more you can do to make your guests feel at home.

Put together a small guest basket of items your guest may need whether because they forget it or feel a little awkward asking for it, especially if it's needed in the middle of the night, like water or a snack. It's as easy as raiding the samples aisle of your local drug store or Target. For a mere $10-15 you can make your guests feel right at home.

Here's what to include:

1. Magazines or Reading Material

2. A Box of Kleenex

3. Bottle of Water and a Snack

4. Chapstick ... because who knows when you'll lose yours

5. Various Toiletries ... shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc

6. WiFi Password

7. Remote

8. Black Wash Cloth ... Why? If your guest is female, she will appreciate not ruining white or lightly colored face towels when taking off her makeup.

What other items would you include?

Felt Christmas Lightbulb Garland

2015-12-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas lights have always been my favorite part of the holiday season. All of the colors lighting up the night to welcome in the season. My deep love of Christmas lights comes from something my dad used to do for me when I was a kid.

My childhood bedroom faced the front of the house, which meant I got a front row seat to all of the holiday decorations my parents set up in the front yard. My favorite decorations were the large, blinking lights hung from the eaves of the house. When time came to be tucked into bed, my dad always turned the blinds to face downward so I could fall asleep watching the lights blink. The colorful light would flood my dark room as I tried to predict which light was going to blink next. It was magical.

I've been wanting to do a felt garland of Christmas lightbulbs for a while now, but it has taken time to find style and technique. I didn't want to just cut ovals out of the felt and say, "Look! Lightbulbs!" Thankfully, I finally found the right lightbulb image from MakeLearningFun.com and the rest fell into place.

I think my favorite part of this project is the lightbulbs look like something straight out of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The best part? This project is sooooooo inexpensive for quite a bit of material. Just wait and see...

Tools
Fabric Scissors
Paper Scissors
Sharp Yarn Needle

1. Print out lightbulb images from MakeLearningFun.com. I printed the page of lightbulbs as a 4" x 6" photo so the lightbulbs would be smaller than the regular printable. This can be easily achieved in your print settings.

Cut out TWO lightbulbs. You will need one full lightbulb an on the second, cut off the top {the socket}.

2. Using fabric scissors, cut a strips of color felt the length of your lightbulb. Then cut rectangles to fit the width of the lightbulb.

3. Now cut around the lightbulb. Remember, this is felt. It doesn't have to be perfect.

4. Time to do the socket! Same deal - cut a strip of grey felt the width of your socket piece then cut into rectangles. Cut out your final socket shape. These can be tricky because they are small so watch your fingers!

5. Keep cutting until you have all the pieces you need. For my 6 foot garland, I only had to cut one strip of each color, which yielded 6 lightbulbs in each color.

6. Let's put this garland together! Thread your yarn needle with your yarn. I don't precut my yarn for my garlands, just in case I want more length, but it's up to you. Again, mine ended up at 6 feet long.
Stack your grey socket on top of your color lightbulb. Slightly to the right, poke your yarn needle through the backside and pull through...

.... then slightly to the left, poke your needle through the front of your lightbulb...

... pull through and you've strung your lightbulb!!!

7. Repeat until you've strung all the lightbulbs to your heart's desire. Your lightbulbs will be able to slide easily along the yarn. If you'd like to prevent them from sliding, I recommend adding a small dab of glue on the back side over yarn.

9. Hang and enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

You've Been Elfed

2015-12-04T08:46:00.002-07:00

It's that time of year again to surprise your neighbors and coworkers with a surprise gift! Over the past few years, Elfing has become a holiday tradition in the US. With good reason too! Dropping off an anonymous gift to a neighbor or coworker is sneaky, fun and purely good natured.

This year, I've redesigned the You've Been Elfed tags for neighbors and work. You now have your choice between a boy or a girl elf on the printable. As always, the printables are free!

*Graphics by Pixel Paper Prints.

You've Been Elfed -- HOME EDITION -- with boy

You've Been Elfed -- HOME EDITION -- with girl

You've Been Elfed -- WORK EDITION -- with boy

You've Been Elfed -- WORK EDITION -- with girl

Happy Elfing!

25 Days of Holiday Movies

2015-11-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's not quite the holidays without festive films to set the mood. Classics, romance, cartoons - this list has it all! Grab some popcorn and follow along with my cinematic holiday countdown to a very Merry Christmas.

{DAY 1} :: Miracle on 34th Street

{DAY 2} :: A Christmas Story

{DAY 3} :: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

{DAY 4} :: Love Actually

{DAY 5} :: Christmas Vacation

{DAY 6} :: Eight Crazy Nights

{DAY 7} :: The Year Without a Santa Claus

{DAY 8} :: Mickey's Christmas Carol

and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

{DAY 9} :: A Charlie Brown Christmas

{DAY 10} :: Borrowed Hearts

{DAY 11} :: Jack Frost

{DAY 12} :: Home Alone 1 and 2

{DAY 13} :: Christmas with the Simpsons

{DAY 14} :: Prancer

{DAY 15} :: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

{DAY 16} :: Phineas and Ferb's A Very Perry Christmas

{DAY 17} :: The Holiday

{DAY 18} :: The Mistle Tones

Available only on Netflix

{DAY 19} :: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Double Feature

{DAY 20} :: Frosty the Snowman

{DAY 21} :: Elf

{DAY 22} :: The Santa Clause

{DAY 23} :: The Muppet Christmas Carol

{DAY 24} :: The Polar Express

{DAY 25} :: White Christmas

Happy Holidays!

It's Small Business Saturday!!!

2015-11-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's Small Business Saturday! Time to shop local, handmade, etc and support those who live for the passion of their product.

Looking for some handmade items? Pop on over to Etsy and why not stop by The Creative Cubby's Etsy Shop while you're there.

Thank you for supporting small businesses today and everyday!

{In The Shop} :: Hand Embroidered "Ho Ho Ho" Greeting Cards

2015-11-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Send unique holiday greetings this year from The Creative Cubby Etsy Shop. These handmade cards are sold in sets of 10. They are perfect for sending to those nearest and dearest to you, as well as clients and business partners.

The HO HO HO set is perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Hand embroidered with bright red thread straight into the card. Have no fear, the stitches are concealed on the back by a piece a matching red cardstock.

Inside the card is blank to add your unique message.

Cards are delivered in formal card box to preserve the quality of these creations.

Hand Embroidered HO HO HO Greeting Cards (set of 10)

Check out other greeting card creations in

The Creative Cubby Etsy Shop

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving "Give Thanks" Decor

2015-11-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

I told you burlap and cross stitch would be back! After realizing cross stitching on burlap was fairly simple with my Halloween decorations, I decided it would be appropriately festive for Thanksgiving. What is it about burlap and a little folk art that screams "Give Thanks"? !

1. Pick your design and cross stitch! For cross stitching on burlap, I recommend using 3 strands or the full 6 stands. Anything less than that will leave a ton of gaps. I prefer 6 strands due to the texture it creates. Unfamiliar with cross stitch? There are loads of tutorials on YouTube. If you like my design, it's available for free download/printing at the end of this post.

Don't like to cross stitch? Acrylic paint and stickers are wonderful alternatives!

2. Add some glam! In full disclosure, I started this project thinking I would just cross stitch on the burlap and ta-da! I'd be done. But as I finished my design, I realized it was smaller than I envisioned and therefore, the decor looked very, very empty and plain.

Thankfully, I had some hole punches and metallic gold acrylic paint on hand. I punched out circles from card stock and used the negatives as stencils.

Because I never know when to leave things well-enough alone, I added a few streaks of gold in the veins of the leaf. Why not?

Much better!

"Give Thanks" Cross Stitch Pattern

1 :: 12" x 12" Burlap Canvas

So many things to be grateful for this year. Including discovering new crafting techniques. Happy Crafting!

{In The Shop} :: Happiest of Holidays Stamped Cards

2015-11-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Happiest of Holidays set is perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Hand stamped with black ink on craft paper, the design is framed by cheerful holiday argyle print.

Inside the card is blank to add your unique message.

Cards are delivered in formal card box to preserve the quality of these creations.

Hand Stamped Happiest of Holidays (Set of 10)

Check out other greeting card creations in

The Creative Cubby Etsy Shop

Happy Holidays!

Crafty Baby Monthly Onesies

2015-11-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

I adore the monthly baby photography trend that's reached mainstream in the past few years. Not only is it a great way to track your baby's growth and changing looks throughout their first year, it's an especially fun way to get crafty. Some opt for onesie stickers, while others set a full scene full of their baby's favorite things. Both are fun! However, I prefer to get a little crafty. Below are the onesies I've made for a friend's daughter over the past year. Conveniently enough, she was born in December, so Month 1 corresponded with the first month of year. We chose to do icons that represented what made each month special. The outcome was adorable!

Below each picture I've listed the specific materials and techniques used to create each onesie.

Month 1 - January
Cricut cut out snowflake
Blue Iron-on Vinyl
Silver Glitter Glue
Rhinestones adhered with Tacky Glue

Month 2 - February
Cricut cut out blue bird and 2
Blue and PinkIron-on Vinyl
Black and Pink Slick Fabric Paint

Month 3 - March
Cricut cut out circle and 3
Blue and White Iron-on Vinyl
Red, Black and Red Slick Fabric Paint
Rhinestones adhered with Tacky Glue

Month 4 - April
Cricut cut out template for bunny, traced onto onesie
Pink Puffy Fabric Paint
Dark Pink, Black, Silver and Purple Slick Fabric Paint

Month 5 - May
Cricut cut out stencil for cactus
Green, Gold, Red and Silver Slick Fabric Paint
* I used the negative of the cut out as a stencil and used round sponge brush to paint onto the fabric.

Month 6 - June
Cricut cut out stencil for pirate octopus
Purple, Pink, Black Slick Fabric Paint
White and Teal Puffy Fabric Paint
* I used the negative of the cut out as a stencil and used round sponge brush to paint onto the fabric.

Month 7 - July
Black Puffy Fabric Paint
Red, Blue and Silver Glitter Glue

Month 8 - August
Cricut cut out for ice cream, template for cone
Pink Iron-on Vinyl
Brown Slick Fabric Paint
Pink, Purple, and Yellow Puffy Fabric Paint
* I used the negative of the cut out cone as a stencil and used round sponge brush to paint onto the fabric.

Month 9 - September
Cricut cut out football
Blue Iron-on Vinyl
Iron-on Varsity Number 9
Yellow Puffy Fabric Paint

Month 10 - October
Black and Orange Slick Fabric Paint
* This onesie was paired with a very vibrant hair bow.

Month 11 - November
Brown, Yellow, Black, and Red Slick Fabric Paint
Craft Feathers
Clear Fabric Glue
* Paint on turkey body first. Let dry. Lay out the feathers in the shape you'd like and cut down to size. Glue to fabric. Touch up brown fabric paint to fill in any unintended gaps between body and feathers.

I can't believe this year is already over!

What creative ideas do you have for baby onesies?

Happy Veterans Day!

2015-11-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

"I do solemnly swear that I will

support and defend the Constitution of the United States

against all enemies, foreign and domestic..."

Thank you.

How to Sharpen Craft Punches

2015-11-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

We've all been there. You go to use a craft punch and suddenly it doesn't go cleanly through the paper. The edges are soft and frayed. Ugh! Not exactly what you were going for.

Don't fret. There's a simple solution! Just punch through aluminum foil a few times to sharpen the edges of your punch. Now they will glide through the paper like they are new!