In honor of Earth Day & my April Stash Bust endeavors I decided to try my luck at reusing several TP(toilet paper) rolls because I’m not sure about your household but we seem to have an abundance of empty cardboard rolls.  I’m really loving bunting right now, so I set out to make some sweet candy bunting from my trash & stash…and this is what I ended up with:

What do you think?  I’m thinking it’s quite cute…and so easy to make that you could even have you kids help you with this project.  It could be fun for a child’s birthday party or even dressed up a bit more to hang behind a candy buffet.

Supplies Needed:

• Toilet or Paper Towel cardboard rolls (1 TP roll averages 9 pieces of candy, or 4 feet)
• Tissue Paper (you could also use fabric)
• Curling Ribbon
• Twine (Ribbon or Yarn would also work)
• Hole Punch
• Rickrack Scissors
• Craft Knife or Scissors
• Double-Sided Tape (optional)

Instructions:

1. Using your craft knife or scissors carefully cut your cardboard rolls into 1/2 inch pieces.  (If you are doing this project with small children this is a step an adult should complete ahead of time.)
   
2. Using a standard hand-held hole punch punch two holes across the tube from each other.  Repeat this process for each of your 1/2 inch pieces.
   
3. Cut bunting twine to your desired finished length.
4. Cut your tissue paper (or fabric) into 5 inch square pieces using pinking sheers. (If doing this project with children this is another step that could be completed by an adult ahead of time.)
5. Carefully thread one piece of cardboard onto the twine. (hint: To make this easier I actually taped one end of the twine to my table.  This helped keep one end stationary while I was threading from the opposite end.)
   
6. Take a piece of tissue paper and place it under your threaded circle and fold it over to overlap in the front.  (hint:  You might find using a small piece of double-sided tape helpful to hold everything in place, but it isn’t necessary.)
   
7. Using 4 inch pieces of curling ribbon, tie off each side of your “candy” with a hard knot.
   
8. Using scissors curl the ribbons to make a decorative tie.  (If you are doing this project with small children this is a step an adult should complete once the stringing process is completed.)
   
9. Repeat the length of your twine.
10. You can move the pieces slightly along the finished product to help evenly space them.
11. Hang and Enjoy!

See…quick, easy, and a fun way to turn a common household trash item into something fun & decorative!

And if you have extra “pieces of candy” left over you could always glue them to place cards or signage for a sweet look.

Price Breakdown: Free from my trash & craft stash!
However, if you wanted to create these with no supplies on hand you could do so entirely from your local dollar store!

What crafty fun will you reuse trash & stash items for this week?

This post should kick off the beginning of our wedding DIY recaps. One of the projects I took on for our wedding was dressing up the table just a bit.  It seems that all too often with buffet dinners the tables can get “left out” of the decorating grand plan since it’s not really “necessary”.  I didn’t want to just go with rolled silverware/napkins to be picked up from the food line. Instead I wanted something a bit more formal, yet still in line with our not-so-shabby chic surroundings.  By setting each place setting with the silverware and folded napkin with menu, I think it gave our tables a bit more color and pop…even if my husband did call me crazy for obsessing over it!

Since I’ve already posted our menu template that was created to fit inside a folded napkin, and the paper napkin wraps we used for seating cards, today we’ll go over how to easily fold your napkins into the pocket shape.  I know there are quite a few different methods out there, so I used bits and pieces and ended up with this one working best for me.

Items Needed:

• Napkins (the ones we used for our wedding were purchased from Ikea)
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Something fun to put in the pocket

Instructions:

1. For best display iron napkins flat before starting folding process.
   
2. Place napkin front (or finished) side down
3. Carefully fold the top horizontal edge (the one farthest away from you) down about 3/4 the length of the napkin.  Iron top portion of napkin for crisp edge.
   
4. Fold the bottom horizontal edge up and over the previous fold.  This will create your pocket and again iron to create crisp fold.  (Hint:  This set controls the depth of the pocket, so simply adjust your fold size for larger/smaller pocket).
   
5. Now, flip the whole napkin over so that the pocket it now face down on your ironing board.
6. Fold each vertical side of the napkin into the middle so that they meet flush and form a square.  Once again press for crisper look.
   
7. Finally fold the left side over on-top of the right side and press one final time.
   
8. Add menu, favor, or other fun item into the pocket and set your table.
   

Afterthoughts:

This is where I’ll be honest and forewarn you that ironing and folding 100′s of napkins will take a WHILE.  I did the first 50 by myself over several nights and it seemed to be taking forever to fold, add the menus, & the name card wraps.  Then with the help of two wonderful friends was able to finish the second 50 in a few hours in an assembly line fashion.  If you are doing this for a larger event I HIGHLY recommend the assembly line approach skipping the middle ironing steps and only iron at the beginning to make sure the napkin is flat to start with.  All in all…I’m still really happy with how everything turned out.

If you are following along with our DIY wedding table scape so far we’ve (click for details):

• Collected milk glass vases (grandma’s collection supplemented with thrift store finds) and given those to our florist to use for centerpiece containers.
• Created Table Numbers with Frames, Fabric, & Wooden Numbers
• Folded 100 Napkins into Pockets
• Cut & Printed 100 Menus to place inside Pockets
• Printed, Cut and Attached 100 Napkin Wrap Seating Cards

I am trying to get a slight bit ahead with posting holiday napkin wraps…my mom would be so please! Speaking of Moms here are a few napkin wraps inspired by the mom’s in my life.  Hope you enjoy Part I which we’ll call the “Mother’s Day Tea Set”

Let’s kick this off with a simple pink background.  This would be great for a Mother’s Day Brunch, Tea Party with the girls, or even a pink wedding.

Click to Download: Pink Background Napkin Wrap Template

And a simple tea kettle that looks fun printed on colored cardstock:

Click to Download: Tea Kettle Napkin Wrap Template

A finally, a pretty china tea-cup!

Click to Download: China Tea Cup Napkin Wrap Template

All templates use the Monterey BT font which is free to download from Sofontes (see link on templates page).  New to Napkin Wraps?  No worries, visit this post for step-by-step instructions on how to use my napkin wrap templates!

What do you have planned for the mothers in your life to celebrate Mother’s Day this year?

I’ve been saving envelopes with cool security patterns since I saw a cute cake bunting from the ever wonderful Martha made from her papers that mimic the same patterns.  So, what better time than during April’s Stash Bust to finally put those envelopes to use. Now after making a couple I think this would be an easily portable craft project to work on while I’m traveling for work and stuck in hotel rooms!

The possibilities of how to use these are endless!  You can use them to decorate a cake, create a pretty package wrapping, I’ve seen them attached to fronts of greeting cards, craft show displays… and of course you could use any type of paper to make the flags. 
How will you use your bunting?

OK, let’s get started!  This is a super simple project, but I’ll admit it is a bit more time consuming than I thought.  To help speed up the process I’ll include several hints in the instructions below.

Supplies Needed:

• Security envelopes (for this project I used 2 envelopes from my power bill)
• Toilet Paper Roll
• Baker’s Twine or Embroidery Thread (5 ft)
• Double Sided Tape, Xyron, or Glue Stick

Tools Needed:

• Ruler
• Scissors
• Bone Folder or Envelope Opener (optional)
• Paper Cutter (optional)

Instructions (written directions follow pictorial):

1. Carefully take apart your envelopes exposing the inner security lining.  To do this I use my bone folder and carefully slide it between the seams to open them up.  You could also use an envelope opener or just pull them apart as well.
2. Use your paper-cutter (or scissors) to square up the pieces, and remove the edges and window panes  (hint:  I’m putting those window panes off the side for another idea I have swimming around in my noggin).
3. Now, using either your cutter (hint: it’s quicker and easier to get consistent sized pieces using a paper-cutter with built-in ruler) cut your envelope into 3/4 inch strips.
4. Stack those strips up together and use your cutter to cut those into 2 inch pieces.
   
5. Measure & cut a 5 foot piece of either embroidery thread or bakers twine  (hint: if you use embroidery thread use a piece of tape or glue to seal off both ends to keep it from separating as you add your flags).
6. You will start assembling your bunting by placing the first flag 6 inches from one end of your twine and stop 6 inches from the other end to allow you room to tie up your bunting.
7. Apply your choice of adhesive to your first flag and carefully fold it over the twine sealing the edges together.  For this example I used double-sided tape that ran half the length of the flag.  You could also use a glue stick but it will be a bit messier.  (hint:  if you have a Xyron machine you can run all your pieces through at once and then just peel them off and fold over the twine.  It made the process MUCH quicker).
8. Continue this process by adding a new flag every 1.25 inches.  You can always tape a ruler to your desk to make it easier to decide where to place the next flag, but after the first few I went with the just eyeball it method.
9. Once you have all your flags in place it’s time to snip the decorative edge.  For this process I just pulled up a podcast I wanted to listen to and used scissors to make a “V” snip on each edge.  (hint:  if you want consistent edges you could also use scrapbook scissors or even a triangle shaped paper punch)
10. Hang it up and enjoy!

Wait…but how do I keep it from getting all tangled up until I’m ready to use it.
It’s simple:  a toilet paper roll

1. Just take a toilet paper roll and cut a small slit in the top edge.
2. Take one end of the bunting and slide it into the slit.
3. Carefully roll your bunting around the tube and once at the other end tuck it inside the slit as well.
4. There you go…all rolled up and ready to use!

So, let’s recap:  4 feet of cute bunting completely from my stash & trash!

Cost Breakdown:
- Paper for Flags – Free from recycling the envelopes from pesky utility bills
- Twine or Thread – Free from my stash (or $.99 new from JoAnn’s, will make 2)
- Glue/Tape – Free from stash (or $2.99 from Target, will make 25)
- Toilet Paper Rolls – Free from recycling
GRAND TOTAL: FREE from Stash or $0.60 per bunting

PS.  I’ve decided to list a few of my “crafty projects” in the etsy store over the next few weeks, it’s kinda sad how long it’s sat empty!

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long crazy week in our household.  Thankfully I am finally feeling better (even if I still sound like an 80 year old smoker) from my run in with bronchitis but then my dad started having some chest & arm pain last weekend.  Thankfully after close to a week in various hospitals he has been cleared of any new heart related problems.  Mix that in with a busy work week and you have one tired little Smurfette who is extremely thankful for a weekend of down time!

Even Crafty Pup is ready for a little rest!

Thanks to the lovely ladies who decided to join me in my Craft it Forward endevors.  I’ll be sending each of you an email tomorrow asking for a bit of information (to help me figure out what to make you) and your addresses.  I’m so excited to be sending something your way in the upcoming weeks!  The lucky winners are:

• Lisa M.
• Becky B
• Rachel J.
• Kelly T.
• Clare

Hopefully you can take advantage of the April Stash Bust to get you started with a Craft it Forward of your own!  I look forward to hearing (reading) about how you decide to carry the Craft it Forward torch onto the next set of recipients!

I’m thinking I’ll get started on busting my stash this weekend, along with some yard work, hanging out with friends who are here from Texas, and most of all getting a bit of rest.  What about you?  What are your big plans for this beautiful weekend?

Don’t forget it not too late to sign-up for a chance to get a free handmade item(or items) from my “stash”.    This is a fun way to help bust your craft project stash and share the results with your fellow crafty types! 

I’ll let random.org select the 5 winners TODAY at 5pm EST…and currently there are only 3 people interested (which makes me a bit sad) but that also means your odds of winning are outstanding!

To enter visit this post and leave a comment!!

I have this “thing” where I feel like I need to make a little something for each and every baby/bridal shower I attend.  It’s a compulsion of sorts and often I stress myself out coming up with the perfect little handmade treat to go with the gift purchased off the registry.  With 4 people around me having babies and a few weddings thrown in you can see where I might have my hands full.  However, the gift below was not only the easiest to construct and economical, it was also the easiest to come up with.

You see my friend’s husband drives a race car in one of the local circuits.  He already has big dreams of his sweet little girl being the next female racing star, so it just stood to reason that she would need the proper attire even at her young age to support her favorite race team!  Granted here in the south there is a huge supply of NASCAR baby racing gear so I could have bought something commercially, but I thought she needed something a little more “sugar & spice” to mix with “my daddy rocks”.

Materials Needed:

• Cotton Onesie
• Fabric for car & numbers (non-raveling since there will be exposed edges)
• Matching embroidery thread
• 2 Large Buttons
• Heat Tape

Supplies Needed:

• Needle
• Scissors
• Template
• Pencil or Pen
• Iron

Instructions (text below pictorial):

1. Remove all stickers and tags from onesie and press flat with iron.
2. Print out your race car and number templates.  (I used a stock image from MS Clip Art and re-sized it to fit a smaller onesie)
3. Cut out your race car shape.
4. Trace template outline onto backside of fabric (I used a regular pen, however a fabric marking pen/pencil would be a better option).
5. Use scissors to cut out along traced guidelines
6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5  to create race car numbers
   
7. Using embroidery thread  sew the numbers to the car.  I used a straight embroidery stitch and stitched down the center of each number.  You could also do this step with your sewing machine if you prefer.
8. To help hold the car in place while you stitch place one small piece of Heat Tape down the center of the car and press onto the onesie.
9. Now that the car is stead place the steering wheel under the edge of the car fabric and using the same method as in Step 7 sew it to the onesie.
10. Switching embroidery thread to match the body of the car, use a blanket or edge stitch and sew along the car’s edge, attaching it to the onesie.
11. Attach your button wheels to the car also with embroidery thread, careful to tie off all knots/etc. under the buttons or car to keep “itchy stitches” away from baby.

Cost Breakdown:

• Onesie – Garanimals brand from Wal-Mart – $3.81
• Embroidery Floss – Had on Hand from multipack purchase 2+ years ago
• Pink  Felt – $0.26
• White Felt – Had on Hand
• Buttons – 4 Pack from Dollar Tree/used 2 – $0.53
• Heat Tape – Had on Hand
• Grand Total:  $4.60

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Safety Note:   Make sure all buttons are sewn on securely.  Due to buttons, do not leave your baby unattended while wearing this garment.

_________________________________________________________________________

What about you…anyone else have my same “I must make them something compulsions”?  And if so, please share some of your favorite DIY baby gifts…

Update as of 4/18/2010: Since I still haven’t heard from a couple of the winners…I’m opening comments back-up for potential new winners. If you are interested in Crafting it Forward with me just leave a comment and if I haven’t heard from the original winners by Thursday, April 22nd at 5pm EST I’ll draw for new winners!  Come on, comment…you know you want an excuse to making something fun for a new friend!!

In honor of the upcoming Earth Day & as one way I’m participating in the April Stash Bust…it’s time to craft it forward! What is craft it forward you might wonder?  I’ll give you a quick little back story and then fill you in on how you can be the next to carry the crafty torch and stash bust in the process.

Back in February Amy from The Nifty Newlywed announced she had been selected to participate in a “handmade giveaway” of sorts from Jenna of  ThatWife.  She would select 5 people to send a free hand crafted gift and in exchange they would also craft things to share with 5  people to keep the endeavor going.   I thought it was a fun idea, and left a comment.  The random.org powers were in my favor, and now it’s my turn to carry the torch forward.  So, currently the chain looks something like this: Anne –> Julie –> Jenna –> Amy –> Me       Confused yet?

Let’s see if I can make this easy…I’m going to send 5 people something handmade for free! But here is the catch, the lucky 5 will need to keep this fun little endeavor going.  If you are anything like me you already love making things but often feel guilty if they are all for you…so here is your chance to express your crafty nature and share it!  I think it’s a pretty fun concept! PLUS it also gives you an incentive to use part of your craft stash and share it with others!  That’s a double win!

Here’s how it works:

• I’ll be randomly picking 5 comments on this post to get a Craft It Forward package from me which will include your handmade item and perhaps some corresponding goodies.  It’s a surprise after all!
• If you are selected, you should Craft It Forward to 5 other people as well. It is a chain after all  and while I won’t bug you about it later I do think it’s a fun idea to share the crafty goodness around
• Winners will get their goodies before June 1st
• You can select your 5 people any way you want, and the winners don’t have to wait until June 1st to start Crafting it Forward.
• I dabble in many types of crafts, most of which I never get around to blogging about. You could get anything from an apron, personalized stationary, a tote, cute shirts for kiddos, or something else from the list of things I want to make but haven’t yet.  While it’s up to me what I make, I will ask the winners a little about themselves to get a better idea of what might be awesome to send them!  You can even make a request but what you ultimately receive is a big surprise!
• I am by NO means a professional, so I make no guarantees that you will like what I make but I will do my absolute best.

Want to join this chain-gang and Craft it Forward?

No jumping through hoops necessary… just leave a comment. Simple as that!

This contest ends next Thursday (April 8th) at 5:00 PM EST and I’ll announce the next wave of the Craft it Forward chain on Friday, April 9th!  So, what are you waiting for…leave a comment and start planning what you might make to share!  Click here to visit Dollar Store Crafts if you would like to learn more about the April Stash Bust

We had a busy but relaxing Saturday and then today I’ve been busy, busy working on…well work!  Which means I still have a few finishing touches to  a couple tutorials but thought I’d give you a little sneak peek of what’s coming down the pipe for later this week and in the weeks to come.

1. I’m excited to be hosting my first give-away of sorts! A few weeks back I was selected to participate in “Craft it Forward” over at the Nifty Newlywed.  So I’m excited to continue the craft-it-forward movement with 5 other fun crafters!  Look for more information mid-week and start thinking about what you could make & share with 5 people if you are chosen!
2. Cupcake Toppers! There are quite a few templates out there for cupcake toppers, but I’ll share my easy way to make last minute toppers with dollar store supplies & a craft tool or two (or even things you have at home).
   
3. Baby Shower Gifts: With 4 baby showers in 2 months, I’ve been hard at work on a few handmade gifts.  The first shower was last week so that means I can finally start revealing a few of the goodies.
   
4. Craft Room/Office ReLocation/ReModel 2010: We are in the packing portion of the process of switching out our guest bedroom and my office/craft room so that I get the bigger room with more light!  I’m super excited and the guest bedroom isn’t getting the bad end of this deal since the new guest bedroom is getting a makeover as well.  Out with the ugly dark blue industrial carpet and in with some plush and relaxing (and easier to clean).  So I’ll be asking for lots of suggestions along the way…for example what clean coastal/cottage bedding goes best with our antique furniture?  And how can I best organize all my crafting supplies and still maintain a clean look?
5. And finally…wedding projects! I’m determined to write up tutorials on several of our DIY wedding projects …and also determined to do that before our 1st Anniversary!  So be on the lookout for quarter-page bi-fold programs,  activity book programs & crayons for the kiddos, rehearsal dinner menus, jam escort cards, and photo thank you cards.  That’s quite a few tutorials to write up…but I think I can, I think I can

So…the goal is that this little blog doesn’t get ignored quite as much and somewhere along the way I might even migrate my personal journal blog over to this one as well.  That might mean a few more “about our smurfy life” posts…

What about you…what did you do this weekend?  And do you have a growing “to-do” list you want to finish before summer?

I have a friend putting together a ladies pre-Easter brunch at her church who asked me if I could put together a couple of reusable religious themed wraps.  So using MSClipArt (I’m being lazy since I’m so swamped at work) I whipped up several options that could be used not only at Easter but for other events later in the year.

Let’s start out with a pastel cross theme:

Download Template:  Pastel Cross Napkin Template

And then my friend requested a black & white option with a bible theme:

Download Religious theme template: Black & White Bible Napkin Template

All templates above use Monterey BT font which is free to download from SoFontes (see link on templates page).  New to Napkin Wraps?  No worries, visit this post for step-by-step instructions on how to use my napkin wrap templates!