Sweater Bracelet

Last year I made a LACE BRACELET using this simple tutorial.

This year, I made a Sweater Bracelet... I love it even more.

Thanks, Karla

Kisses 25c - Start Saving Your Quarters

Hi All,  I whipped up this Valentine's shirt this past weekend during the Super Bowl.  Let's face it, since the Packers weren't playing (BOO HOO HOO) I was only half watching it.  So I was  half munching on appetizers and half working on this shirt. 

I had not really planned on making Peepers a Valentine's Shirt this year, but I found a red 3T shirt stashed away (I'm sure I intended on doing something with & just never got around to it).  So I thought I better make something with it & quick before he grows out of it.  I came up with a simple shirt that I knew I already had everything I needed to make it.

• Striped fabric
• Silver fabric
• Cross stitch thread
• Scissors, thread, needle, pins etc...

I used the  Reverse Applique technique that I have used on many projects. 

 Here is a back view.

 As a last minute addition, I added sleeves to the shirt by just following one of his existing shirts for the size.  I pinned the sleeve on & stitched it to the shirt following the existing hem sleeve.

 I used the psychedelic silver fabric to cut out a coin (I used a spool of thread as my circle template).  I've had the silver fabric in my stash for about 15 years & just knew there would be a need for it someday.

 I free handed the word "KISSES" and used Back Stitch technique and cross stitch thread to hand embroider the word.

 Finished!

 I had to bribe my model for a few photos.

Thank you, Karla

Key To My Heart Necklace

Hi Everyone,

Valentine's Day is getting close... are you ready?

I was inspired by these glitter keys to make a Key To My Heart Necklace. 

Glitter Key tutorial

I actually do not use any keys.  I have a GDO (garage door opener)  to my house & a RKE (remote keyless entry) to my car.  I don't even need a key for the ignition.  The only key I use is to my file cabinet at work.  I don't think my employer would appreciate me bedazzeling their property...unless it was the corporate logo :)

We do however have a "junk drawer" in our house that has a boat load of keys. We have no idea what these keys open... but we are too afraid to throw them away for fear we may actually need them some day.  Like for this craft!

My version is much simpler... in digging out my Mod Podge, found that I had some Elmers Glitter Glue & Diamond Glaze that I thought would save me a step or 2 + I would not have to work with Glitter.  I LOVE GLITTER, oh the sparkle, but oh the mess!

Step 1:

Clean key

Step 2: 

Add Glitter Glue, Use a tooth pick to spread around to get nice, even coverage. Let Dry.

Step 3:

Add a coat of Diamond Glaze (or clear nail polish).  Let Dry.

Step 4:

Add ribbon, chain or leather to keys to make your necklace.

I also added a charm & a button for a little extra cuteness.

There are a ton of cute and inspiring Valentine's out there in blogland to make for your kids (or honey).  These are 2 of my Favorites!

 Love is a Battlefield

Super Hero Sucker

Enjoy! Karla

White Forest

A few weeks ago, I posted an inspiration photo of some

sweater trees that I wanted to make from Betz White. 



Here is the finished product.  I made 3 cream colored trees to use in my "Winter Decor" that I put up in November & take down in April. 

I absolutely adore them!

Thanks, Karla

Birch Wreath

Hi All, I have actually had this idea in my head since summer, but you know how that goes...

I was aiming to get this post ready for Christmas, but that didn't happen either.  So here is it January & I'm finally getting around to editing the photos to post. 

You may not know this, but I'm a little obsessed with Birch Branch Bark.  Almost as bad as I was with Crackle paint in 1998 -  I'm trying not to take it quite that far (FYI - I'm still living with some crackle furniture that I can't afford to replace & an not sure if I can paint over it).

Here are some things I have made from birch:

 

  



 Birch Ornaments from my blog from 2010.

So on to the Birch Branch Wreath...

You'll need:
Large Wreath:
Heavy Gauge wire (I used 16 gauge  from JAF)
40 2" Birch Branch discs with a  1/4" hole drilled in the center (Thank you Bradford for all the cutting of a Birch Branch for this project!)
4 1.5" wool felted balls
ribbon (or something to hang wreath with)
pliers

Here is an easy tutorial to follow to make Felted Wool Balls if you do not want to buy them pre-made.

Small Wreath:
Heavy Gauge Wire
20 1" Birch Branch discs with a 1/4" hole drilled in the center
8 jingle bells
ribbon
pliers

When I first rec'd my box o' wood from my Brother In Law Bradford,  it was still pretty damp from being freshly cut.

 So I spread then out on a window screen to dry for a few days.

Then drilled 1/4" holes in the center (sorry no photo, but I think you can visualize).
For the Large Wreath, I grouped 40 2" birch discs together in 4 piles of 10.
I then put 10 birch discs on the heavy gauge wire thru the drilled hole...

 Followed by a wool felted ball & kept repeating that pattern until I had used up all 40 birch discs & all 4 wool balls.

 For the Small Wreath, I grouped 20 1" birch discs together in 4 piles of 5.  Placed 5 on the wire followed by 2 bells & repeated pattern until all 20 birch discs & 8 bells were on the wire.

Using my pliers, I bent the 2 ends of the wire into a little hook, looped them around each other & pinched the hooks closed.  I tried to close the entire hook as much as possible so that the wire would fit thru the 1/4" hole & not be seen.

Tie on some ribbon, raffia, twine or scrap fabric.
Hang & Enjoy

Thank you, Karla