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.

.

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.

.

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.