Archive for Crafts

Create!!

Create!!

So I’ve been working on a few different sewing projects. But they haven’t been coming out like I hope. So I have stepped away from my sewing projects…for now. I’m the type of person who can’t sew if I’m frustrated. I end up making more mistakes so its just best to focus on something else.

 Thankfully there are many other things I can do to be creative. My best friend had her baby shower a while back and she had asked me to decorate a letter from her daughter’s name for her nursery. I got the letter L  but I was having trouble deciding on how I wanted to decorate this letter. I knew I wanted to use a minty color, and then while browsing around Hobby Lobby I found a shadow box picture frame. I’ve always wanted to make a shadow box of my own but just never got around to it. So I found a small L and decided to make one for my friend. I had planned on putting some pretty paper behind the letter but then remembered I had some really cute fabric that matched the color of paint that I chose for the frame. I think it came out exactly how I pictured it, added bonus the bedding she registered for at Target totally match the shadow box. So that worked out great. :3 Moving on to the next creative topic. I finally got my hands on a SMASH* book. I’m really excited about it. Mija and I mention it over at our personal blogs, so feel free to check it out. We here at Mind-Speaks love crafting so we each fell in love with the SMASH* books. I purchased the Eco book and I’m loving it. At first I was a bit hesitant, I didn’t want to “ruin” the pages. But once I started “smashing” I was no longer worried. And I’m now obsessed. Right now I’m currently working on my hobby page.  I first started with my more obvious hobbies. Writing and sewing are my big hobbies. But I like to think of myself as a collector of hobbies. I love learning new skills, however, I wouldn’t exactly say I exceed at them. But it doesn’t stop me from learning. I taught myself how to use a sewing machine and to knit. Thank goodness for the internet. Back to the page, so as you can see the majority of this page is focused on sewing. It’s the easiest hobby to smash. I was having trouble figuring out how to show case the rest of my hobbies. I turned to the net for some inspiration and I discovered a bunch of  free printables. I immediately started pinning and printing.  I do plan on making some of my own but I thought since these were done and ready for use I decided on making my own some other time. XD The ones I’m using on this page is a journal card from here and a capture this moment camera card from here. Great freebies if you’re interested. I used instagram pictures for this page, it actually helped clear the smashing block. I’m really happy with how my pages are turning out at this point. I kept thinking that I have to go in order when smashing but then I remember there are no rules to smashing. The point is to have fun with it and be creative. So this page is towards the back, I let the page speak for itself when I was deciding which one I wanted to use. The left page isn’t quite finished yet, there is actually a pocket on that side and I’m just trying to decided what I will smash in that pocket. I’m thinking maybe some poetry I wrote last semester or maybe a letter to myself. I dunno yet.

So what kind of planning do you do before you sit down to smash? Do you have rules you follow, or do you just wing it? :3

Fabric Bracelets

Fabric Bracelets

I have soooooo many projects that I want to start yet I’m overwhelmed by each idea that I can’t seem to start any of them. >.<Today I made a list of projects that I wanted to at least get started on, not only for MS but projects that I do for family and myself. Today’s project is pretty simple, I was inspired by this blog entry but I made some changes to how I made mine. I figure this would be perfect to offer on the MS store when its up. Hopefully it will be up during the fall season but you know  how life gets in the way. But here’s hoping. :)

Materials needed

  • 3 or 4 strips of fabric (1×12 or 2×12)
  • second fabric (2 rectangles)
  • button and or Velcro
  • scissors
  • elastic band
  • sewing machine and or needle and thread

I love working with braiding, I get so excited when I learn how to braid a new style. I also enjoy making bracelets, so I thought I’d combine the two. I have small wrists so just adjust the size to what is comfortable for you. Mine was made with 4 1×12 strips of teal fabric. I thought about using different fabrics but I felt like the solid color would match with more outfits. But feel free to use different fabrics for each strip. I also chose to use elastic band and made loop so it could wrap around the button. I thought about using Velcro but I hate Velcro and really love buttons. XD I think the next time I make one I’m gonna sew the strips inside out that way the sides don’t fray as much. But that I still like the outcome of it and its pretty easy to make. Especially when you play around with different braiding techniques, I used 4 strips instead of the typical 3. I know impressive. :P

Well I’ll see you in October with another project….sooner if my partners update earlier. :D

Bows

Bows

More hair ties!!!! They are the easiest things to make. And frankly, its the only thing I can make with the supplies I have. :/ Bows are super easy to make, if you aren’t a flower person these are a great alternative.

Materials

  • two different fabrics (I recommend one pattern and one solid)
  • scissors
  • thread
  • hot glue gun
  • starch (optional)
  • hair tie/clip
  • Sewing machine (optional)

One of my favorite bloggers posted a great version of  hair bows.

You will need two rectangles of fabric to construct the bow and then one thinner piece for the middle part. The two hair tie bows  measure 6 X 3.5 the hair clip one measures 8 X 3.5. But just play with different sizes, I would recommend starching the fabric the larger you make the bow.  (and be careful using the hot glue gun)

Next time I plan to update with something more creative. >.<

More Hair Accessories

More Hair Accessories

Things you will need:

  • Hot glue gun
  • fake flowers
  • hair tie
  • or clip
  • or hair band
  • matching felt or fabric
  • Scissors
  • bobby pin

Just pick the type of clip or hair band or tie whatever you like using the most and grab your trusty glue gun and have at it. Just be very careful when using your glue gun because I’ve burned myself sooooo many times. So please be careful. For some, it might be difficult to glue the flower/leaf to the clip so I use felt as a base. Its easy to hide and it holds.

Head Bands

Clips

More clips

I plan to make a how to video for this entry too. I just take my time. >.< Sorry about that. I still owe one for my last entry as well.  Look forward to that and to the next entry. :3