Dip Dyed Tote Bags

I love giving handmade gifts. Every year at Christmas, I try to make a big batch of, well, thingys. and give them away . This Year it was Chex mix for the boys and tote bags for the girls. Everyone seemed happy!

This project is probably 10 and up. I kept my kids out of it.

I used 4 shades of Procion dyes, however you can use as little as one. I was warned to try to keep it down, because the colors will start to get muddy as you go along.

I used the plastic container that the veggie platter comes in, from the grocery store. I love it when something is recyclable and I can use it one more time before I bin it. Like I got my money's worth.

I used Soda ash on the stove- it smells to high heaven! Keep a lid on it and crack a window.... even if it is December! This helps prepare your fabric for dying. I ordered several tote bags off of the internet. Amazon, Dick Blick, Micheals' and Joann's. It was fun to feel the different textures, they were all different sizes, some had pockets, other's didn't. I kept in mind the women in my life that I was making them for, so 2 went more emerald green, and one went way more purple and blue. The rest were rainbow, purple, blue, turquoise, and green.

grab a wet bag out of your Soda ash, wring it out, leave it scrunched up and dip it right in the dye, about 3 inches deep. Fold the skinny wet bag in half and dip the middle in another color.
Lay it flat in a tub. after they have been wet about an hour- throw it in the washing machine.

after they have been wet about an hour- throw it in the washing machine.

HANG Dry- not in the dryer.

Then I used, Sharpies, and Dacique Dyes painted on to make a few modificatons, You know, make it personal!

Recycling Candles

Recycling Candles

Sometimes candles can be extremely expensive. If something goes wrong... perhaps it was burning on an uneven surface, or maybe burning in an uneven house, the wicks get covered in wax and you can't use it any more. So, I kept a candle like this for a few years, every so often, I tried to burn it, dig out the wicks and try again. 

Well, it has been a few years since I could burn the candle. I made a decision, only 5 years for a project in process, and this candle's time was about up! 

So, I decided that I wanted to etch some neat designs on the glass that the new candles would be in. I bought some Armour Etch on Amazon and I found instructions on how to use it on the internet, since there were no instructions on the container (not a great selling point, come to think of it). Paint it over the stencil and leave it on for at least 2 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Then take off the stencil. 

The top of my candle burned over one wick completely. It was frustrating and taking up valuable space in my bedroom. 

I used a big vegetable knife to cut done the sides of the candle. It was similar to cutting up chocolate. It makes these long shreds. I had parchment paper underneath to catch the shreds and transfer them to a measuring cup. 

The white chocolate, I mean wax shavings in my pan. I only use this pan for candles, and this is my 4th round of candles. Never use this pan for edibles again, because you don't want wax or other chemicals in your food. Just a bad idea!

The wax starts to melt in my "candle only" pan.

Once the wax is completely clear, start to pour over your several candles. Just a few inches at a time, the wax will settle quite a bit as it cools. You also want to avoid surprise holes inside the candle.

Use tape to keep your wick steady. I poured this particular candle four times over two days. The first pour was about an inch and a half. Then I pour to fill most of the candle and as it cools, the wax settles and makes a big hole next to the wick. So, I poured to fill that in, and lastly I poured the wax to evenly make a nice smooth top. I hope that makes sense. 

5 completely new candles, from a dusty thing that was taking up space in my room. Now that's nifty, I mean thrifty!

Make Your Own Earring Card

Make Your Own Earring Cards

5 Nov 2012

I have a little jewelry show coming up this weekend. So I've been busy, really busy. I wanted to share a quick little tutorial, and a way to customize my display table. One way to do that is making my own earring cards. 

Beautiful Earrings on there customized cards.

I bought cardstock at Micheals. To make things go faster I bought the 4.5" x 6.5" size. 

I have a whole bunch of stamps, I sort of collect them, especially on sale. I use them a lot, in jewelry, in organizing, making gift cards, lots of little projects. 

These are the stamps I picked for the earring cards. 

This cool hole punch makes it all possible. It lines up nicely on it's own. It lets two pairs of earrings hang on a card. I haven't used it for that yet. Just one pair at time. 

Here's the pretties, hanging nicely. I've made these cards fold across the top, or on their side. Depending on the weight of the earrings, changes how well the card will support the jewelry.
Here is the link for the punch I used. (affiliate link)

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Make your own Laundry Detergent

15 Dec 2012

I never really thought about cleaning products as something you could make yourself. I just thought everyone went to the store and purchased the one that smelled the prettiest. I couldn't imagine what would go into a laundry soap, or why on earth I would want to make it myself. I was inspired by the lovely Amie White  and how she cares for her 4 boys and makes their laundry soap. Well now, if it works for  her busy brood, it would surely work on my small, one load a day laundry situation. 

 I checked around on Pinterest and found this recipe from Jen, of the How Does She fame. 

I changed a few things, I used a left over BJ's candy bucket to hold it all, and I changed the bar soap to Ivory, since I couldn't find Zote. I also use the Purex Tropical, since I love my clothes to smell awesome. Grating the Ivory is a pain, so I watched a cute show on Netflix and was finished 2 bars in the half hour.

BONUS- the living room smelled spiffy when I vacuumed the flecks up off the floor. Yes, this is a time investment, and yes it has paid off!

It's now been 4 months since we began using my homemade soap, and it's been awesome. I have a front loading washer, and I use 2 tablespoons of powder in with the clothes. The stain fighting is phenomenal! Not to mention the price- it cost me around $23 for a 10 month supply! 

I will definitely be making this again when we run out. I thought about packaging it pretty to give away at Christmas, but that might be weird. What is the message behind fabulous cleaning and smelling laundry soap? 

Make Your Own Bunting

Bunting

12 Nov 2012

I have seen some adorable bunting on Pinterest, and I decided it would work for just about any kind of party or event. It seems to add flavor to any decorations, and seemed to be quite versatile, so I decided to give it a whirl.

What you'll need:

- Scrapbook paper                                    - Sewing Machine

- Card stock                                                - Sharpie Marker

- Ribbon                                                      - Printer

Here's how I made a bunting sign for my Jewelry show table. 

First I picked my font from Dafont.com. 

Then I printed it out at size 200.

Then I cut it out using a box cutter.

I used my opening in the paper as a stencil to fill in my damask cardstock. At first I thought, "I need spraypaint!" Then I realized that a Sharpie marker would probably work just as well.

I loaded up the old sewing machine with some thread, and I chained stitched the cardstock on top of some ribbon. This sign came out really cute. 

This bunting says, "JoyfulSparkle" which is my jewelry store name. I made this bunting in 3 afternoon naps, for my show last weekend. 

I liked the way the first bunting came out, I made a second one for Thanksgiving. It only took one afternoon, so I think that the length of the bunting accounts for how long it takes to make. Note the change in font! Remember that when picking your font, you should pick one that looks, well, pretty, but also is relatively easy to read.

So if you're crafty and want to make a sign for your craft show, or you just want to add a little fanfare to your decorating, this project could be right for you.

Another Notebook Method

A Better Way (Scrapbook Notebook)

2 Oct 2012

After about a dozen notebook covers made of the scrapbook paper, I figured out a better way to tuck in the corners. 

Glue on the scrapbook paper. Fold over the edges to make nice guide lines.

Cut a diagonal corner of the paper into the corner of the cardboard notebook. 

Now, cut the guide lines that you folded earlier. You should have cute little triangles floating to the floor. 

Once you fold over the edges now, you will see nice sharp corners develop. 

A much more reliable method to set the covers on the notebook. 

So pretty!

Fabric Cover for a Notebook

Fabric Covered Notebook

9 Oct 2012

When you put together a gorgeous notebook, it's possible you may not want to use it, since it will get used up, and then you can't carry it with you again. Well, we can now avoid that problem! A re-useable cover, just refill with another composition notebook. 

How cute is that? Let's get started!

1) I made a template, by tracing the outside of a composition notebook, and I added 1/2 inch around for the seam allowance.

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2) I trimmed off a 6 inch piece of the template. 

3) Cut one piece of the skinny template, and 2 pieces of fabric from the thick template. 

4) Pin right sides together and sew the 3 pieces together. 

5) I sewed a seam on the two outside pieces of fabric.

6) Pin the ribbon bookmark in place, and sew.

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7) Iron a seam on top and bottom across all 3 fabrics.

8) Place the notebook in the middle, fold the fabric over the edges, and pin.

9)*Mine shows the right-side of the fabric, learn from my mistake :) You actually will save time if you pin the wrong side of the fabric, instead.

10) Fold the notebook all the way back and carefully slip the notebook off, and sew. I ironed the seams flat, but you might not have to. It's possible that the cover will be flush with out ironing the seams. 

11)   Sew across all 3 pieces of fabric. on the top and the bottom of your fabric cover.

12) Flip the cloth cover inside out. 

13) Slip your composition notebook into your spiffy new notebook cover!

Ta-Da!! How cute is that? 

*Just a note- the first time I made a notebook cover, it took me 3 1/2 hours to make. But, the good news, the second one only took me about 1 1/2 hours from cutting fabric, all the way to sliding in the composition notebook. 

Butterfly Manicure

Spongy Manicure

13 Oct 2012

This spongy technique is easy to pull off, and is a great base for a lot of cute manicures. Today I'm working on a butterfly wing, mostly because I like butterflies. Yeah, I think that's the only reason actually!  

1) Choose your materials first, running around with wet nails usually makes something messy! In case you're wondering, Left to Right: OPI Peach-A-Boo, China Glaze VI, OPI Take The Stage, OPI DS Jewel. On the right: Seche Vite Top Coat, Orly Nailtrtion, NYC 134 French Tip White. 

2) Base Coat, I used Nailtrition

3) Pick out 3 shades in the same color family. Paint the middle shade on the whole nail.

 

4) Dip the sponges in Water, you'll use less paint!            

5)Paint your makeup sponge with the three colors,

in order from darkest to lightest

6) Dab the sponge across the nail, darkest color at the top.

7) Use Q-tips dipped in nail polish remover to clean up the cuticles.

8) Striping brushes have a long bristle, it helps make straight lines, even when you're free-handing. This particular brand is So Easy, Stripe Rite.

9) Free-hand the small half circle at the bottom. Pull stripes from the bottom towards the tips. Stripe across the tip with the black polish. 

10) Using the top of a pin, or a toothpick dip in white polish, and then lightly tap on the black portion of the manicure. 

11) Finish off with your favorite top coat! And you're done! 

There you have it! Butterfly wings on your fingernails! And remember, no butterflies were harmed in the making of this manicure!