tulle pom-poms + garland tutorial

I promised a tutorial after my last post. It took a little longer than anticipated. I ended up having my granddaughter, Madi, spend two whole days with me. I like to give her my full attention when she visits. She's also a talker, so getting anything done is a little difficult. :) She is seriously one of the most hilarious little people I know.

Then I was called to a new position at church. I know. I did not see that coming. I loved my calling as RS Meeting Coordinator and I will miss working with so many wonderful women. More on that later.

Okay, let's get this party started.

 

Because I knew I would use this project often, I made a mini version of all the the pom-pom tutorials I could find. There were about six. I found this method was most simple and created the prettiest *pouf.*

 

SUPPLIES:

• 6" tulle (4 yards for each pom-pom)
• crochet thread (I tried regular thread and fishing line, but found both made it difficult to see my stitches and broke when I pulled them tight. Crochet thread works great.)
• needle with large eye
• scissors
• Fishing line for garland. (I just used what was in the garage, 12 lb. test)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut four yards of tulle and approximately 3 feet of crochet thread. Thread your needle and tie a nice big knot at the end so you don't accidentally lose your gathers.
2. Make a running stitch (up, down, up, down) the full length of the tulle, gathering lightly as you go. Make your stitches about 1/2" and 1/2" inch apart. Don't worry about keeping completely straight, it all works out in the end.
3. Gather the tulle tightly on the string, making sure it's not twisted.
4. Tie a knot with the two ends (pull together tightly), then tie a few more for good measure.
5. Twist and pull on the layers to form a pom-pom.

Yep, it's that simple.

 

To make a garland, simply stitch through the center of each pom-pom with monofilament (fishing line). I use clear 3M hooks to hang mine. We leave the one in Ella's room up all the time. Both Kate and Tayler want to make garlands for their little's rooms after seeing this one. I feel some girls' time coming on. :)

 

MINI POM-POMS

I made mini pom-poms for our spring RS birthday party. I wish I'd known about these pre-cut 3" rolls then, it would have saved me a lot of time and grief. 

The process for mini pom-poms is the same, with one slight difference. Instead of one strip of tulle, you will cut two strips approximately 60" long, and layer them on top of each other before stitching. Gather your tulle tightly and tie the string in multiple knots.

 

Couldn't be more darling. :)

ADDITIONAL IDEAS FOR POM-POMS:

• Use as decor for baby showers, birthday celebrations, weddings, and little (or big) girls' rooms.
• Attach to a dowel and add ribbon for an instant fairy wand.
• Tie mini pom-poms to bare branches for spring decor.
• Use to top a gift in place of a bow. (Totally doing this for birthday parties.)
• Attach to a little girl's headband for a "pouf" of style.

Any other ideas?

SOURCES:

Paper Mart is my go-to source for tulle. The 25 yard rolls at my local craft stores are $4.99. Paper Mart has them for $1.35, and it's the same quality. The garland I made for Ella's room has 12 pom-poms, so it cost me about $3.00 to make. They also have100 yard rolls of tulle, that are a quarter more than the craft store's 25 yard rolls. Even with shipping included, it's a huge savings. (And their shipping is super fast.)

I just noticed Paper Mart has added 12" and 18" pre-cut rolls of tulle. Fabulous! Thinking mega pom-poms for Ella's birthday party would be wonderful. I'll need to play around with the length.

 Premium tulle in 3"-18" wide rolls.

Also check out the polka dot tulle and shimmery tulle.

Happy spring crafting.

simple project | sleeve pumpkins

 Well, hello fall. Yep, it's full-on here and gorgeous in Utah.

My friend Marci and I took a little jaunt to the Heber/Midway area last week. It was so, so fun. All the way through Provo Canyon, we were ewwww-ing and ahhhh-ing over the colors of the fall leaves against the dark green of the pines.

We arrived early for Marci's appointment, so we stopped at a thrift store we really like in Heber. (We may have planned it that way. ;)) The store is called St. Vincent's.  We checked out the vintage clothing together and then split up.

I found some vintage ric rac and seam binding in really cool colors. At .25 each, I grabbed a few. And a few more.

Then I found this. EXACTLY what I was looking for. I showed it to Marci, who gave me a goofy confused look, and said, "Ummm, that's not a color or style I'm used to seeing you wear." Yes, it's pretty ugly. A total grandma sweater. (Oh wait, that's me.:)) Anyway, I had no intention of wearing it! Sheesh!

I know, I kind of gave away my intentions with my opening photo. It's called, "I'm so excited about how this project turned out I can't WAIT to show you!" I have wanted to make pumpkins from thrifted sweaters. The color and fabric of "the" sweater were perfect, but when I saw the ribbing on those sleeves, the wheels started turning.

These pumpkins are so simple to make and couldn't be more darling. And I love, love, love them. What makes them so easy is that all you're doing is gathering two ends of a tube (cut from the sleeve) and stuffing with something to weigh them down a bit and polyfil stuffing. The real pumpkin stem just makes them. You could also add a piece of branch like the fabric pumpkins in this post. I was able to create three pumpkins from each sleeve.

Ella and I went to a thrift store in our area, and found a lot more options for pumpkins. I found another sweater in the same fabric as my granny one that's a fall-ish green--kinda squash-like. Ella wanted to make her own set of pumpkins and chose a purple sparkly sweater in a different fabric. Now those are fun!

Looking for a tutorial? 

 tutorial | sleeve pumpkins

I decided to try something a little different and do my step-by-step instructions on a sheet you can download. I've copied and pasted my share of on-line tutorials so I could have the instructions in front of me or take them along to buy supplies. I thought this might make it a bit easier. What do you think? Just trying to keep it simple (wink, wink).

Ella's teacher, Marilyn Hulme, had a birthday last week. Her favorite place to eat out is Cafe Rio. (How do I know? I had her fill out the teacher questionnaire I wrote up last year.) We gave her one of my pumpkins with a CR gift card attached. I hope she enjoys it.

Happy fall!

I also shared this project here:

ss tutorial: felt flower hair accessory

As promised, here's the first of our Super Saturday tutorials.

 

SUPPLY LIST:

sheet of felt
hair clips--I like the metal ones with a double prong.
fabric covered button--tutorial here.
glue gun and glue sticks

 

I used the Rainbow brand felt. I picked it up at JoAnne's.

Step 1: Cut six 3" circles and one 2" circle from felt.
Find (or make) some templates and trace circles onto felt with a Sharpie. Cut inside the lines so the ink won't show.

• A 15 oz. can lid is three inches across. (Use the type of can opener that doesn't leave sharp edges!) 
• The other template I used was from a package of magnets. Just look around for something approximately 2" across. 
• I switched things up a bit and used pinking shears instead of regular scissors to cut out the circles for this hair clip. I love the texture it adds.

Step 2a: Fold felt circle in half.

Step 2b: Fold half forward.

Step 2c: Then fold the other half back so you end up with an "S" shape. That's your first petal.

Step 3: Add a drop of glue at the bottom of each fold of the petal (on both sides) to keep it from unfolding. I use an extra clip to keep it together while the glue dries.

Step 4: Center a hair clip on the 2" felt circle.

Step 5: Add a nice pool of glue to the center of the felt circle and adhere petals very close together. Almost done!

Step 6: Adhere a fabric-covered button to the center of the flower and fluff up the petals.  

• Of course you could also add a button or gem to the center of a flower instead of a fabric-covered button. I'm just crazy about them though.
• And instead of a clip, a pin would be nice for attaching to a fabric bag. 
• I'm thinking I might make up a bunch of these to use as bows for gift packages. They're inexpensive to create and would be a gift on a gift. I would just clip them on the ribbon on the package. 

 

As always, it's all about the packaging. :) If you're giving your felt flower as a gift, you can download and attach to these simple cards I designed. I think they look especially nice printed on glossy cardstock. Enjoy!

fabric-covered buttons tutorial

I LOVE fabric-covered buttons. I've used them to make hair elastics and magnets and they embellish the center of our Super {Simple} Saturday flower hair accessory. I thought I'd share a quick tutorial on how to make them before posting the hair accessory tute.

Supplies:
fabrics with small prints
template
size 36 cover buttons (7/8")*
pusher tool*

Make a Template
You can purchase templates for all sizes of cover buttons, but it's simple to make one. For the size 36 cover buttons, punch a 1" hole in chipboard. Flip a 1 3/4" punch upside down and center the one inch hole inside and punch. You'll end up with a donut shape. Easy peasy.

*note: if you purchase a button cover kit at the fabric store, it will most likely have a template for you to cut out on the actual packaging (without the center hole). Since I order my button covers in bulk (much less expensive), I created my own.

Step 1: Trace around template on fabric with a water soluble pen (or whatever will show up) and cut. Don't worry about making the edges perfect, they'll be tucked inside the button shell and back.

I like having the hole in the center of the template, so I can move it around on certain fabrics that have images or designs I want centered on the button. Then I can trace around my template and "fussy cut" the fabric.

Step 2: Center the fabric circle on the bottom half of the pusher tool and place the rounded button shell on top. Push down all the way and tuck in the fabric edges.

Step 3: Place the button back over the fabric folds and use the pusher tool to push down and lock in place. 

Remove your button and admire. I promise you can't make just one. ;)

*My favorite source for both the button covers and tools is Three Dancing Magpies Supply Etsy shop. I did a lot of research when I made the activity days hair elastic favors and they were the best price. They also have great customer service.

pinked felt wreath

I saw this felt wreath on The Idea Room blog and loved it! I ran out and purchased the supplies and sat down to cut out a lot of 3" circles from felt.

I couldn't wait until February to hang it, so it's on the mirror over the fireplace already. This project is super simple and doable and looks beautiful. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it. After my crafty girlfriends saw mine, we made them for craft group.

Here's a quick tutorial of my version. I changed things up just a bit. I love anything with scalloped or pinked edges, so I cut my circles with pinking shears instead of regular scissors. I love, love, love the texture it adds.

SUPPLIES:
Styrofoam wreath
I used a 10" circle wreath so it would fit nicely on my mirror. Use an "extruded" form. It's more dense than the more hole-y styrofoam and the pins will stay in better.

One yard of 72" wide heavy-weight felt 
Definitely use a heavier-weight felt. It's more expensive, but well worth it. I found mine at Joanne's for $6.99 a yard. The lightweight felt will require you to use more, which means you'll need to cut and cut and cut more circles. The heavyweight felt also gives the wreath a more quality look.

One yard of felt was enough for two 10" wreaths--one for you and another for a special someone. Or keep them both. I'm thinking ahead and making two of many projects I make this year so I have gifts for Christmas. If you plan to make only one, purchase about 2/3 yard because the last row of circles hits the center of a yard of fabric.

3" circle template
I cut a template from chipboard and used a black fine tip marker to trace my circles onto the felt. (The top of a 15 oz. can is also the right size. Use the type of can opener that doesn't leave a sharp edge.) Cut right inside the line of each circle so no ink shows. A 10" wreath takes about 120 circles. I added another 25 on the back so the reflection on the mirror doesn't show the wreath form. My second wreath is 8" and I love it just as much.

My friend Jen made the heart shape wreath and a ball to fit on top of a candle holder. She said it took almost the entire yard of felt.

dressmaker pins
I used general purpose sewing pins--Dritz Dressmaker Pins Size 17 or 1 1/18" size.

pinking shears (or regular fabric scissors for a more ruffle-y look.)

2" ribbon
I used white grosgrain for Valentine's and will swap it out at Christmas for some gorgeous green vintage satin ribbon my friend Maggie gave me. Thanks again, Maggie!

DIRECTIONS:
Step 1: Trace and cut three-inch circles from felt with pinking shears.

Step 2: Fold  felt circle in half, then in half again.

Step 3: Pin through the bottom of the folded circle and push into the styrofoam wreath.

Tip: I've seen other wreaths and projects made with this technique. One thing I really like is when the circles go in all directions instead of just one way. So push a circle into the wreath and then place the one next to in facing the opposite direction. You'll end up with a more paisley-ish design instead of a stacked one. It also makes the wreath look fuller.

Step 4:  Add a ribbon hanger by pinning a length of ribbon onto the back of the wreath and then pinning the ribbon again back on itself to give a nice finished edge

Step 5: Hang, enjoy and take compliments graciously.

UPDATE:
My uber-creative friend, Jen Ostler, made a Halloween version of the felt wreath for our Super Saturday RS meeting. Love it!

We couldn't find a heavier-weight orange felt and it took almost an entire yard for this 12" wreath. She found the spider at JoAnn's. It was actually part of a pick, she just clipped the wire and inserted it into the styrofoam.

life story binder

Tonight is our Life Story Binder class at the church in the Relief Society room. We'll start promptly at 7 pm, so be on time! I'm very excited about the response to this project. It seems we're all motivated to get more organized this year. I'm loving my first binder and can't wait to move on to the others.

What is a Life Story Binder?
It's a place to gather and organize documents, photos and/or journaling that pertain to your life or the life of a family member.

How do I get started? 
I would recommend starting small--one or two binders--so you don't feel overwhelmed in the beginning and drop the project all together. Like I always say, keep it simple and doable.

SUPPLY LIST:

• 3-ring binder* (2" ring size works well)
• sheet protectors (80-100) 
• Life Story Binder suggestions list (I've compiled a list of suggested documents, photos and journaling for you.) 
• Return Address Labels (80 per sheet) *optional, but it makes it simple to flip through and see what still needs to be added. I've put together a creating labels tutorial. 

What's next?
Step 1: Add sheet protectors to binder.

Step 2: Read through the Life Story Binder suggestions list and check off and/or add items that are applicable to you or your family member's life story. I store my list in the front of my binder for easy reference.

Step 3: Create labels using Return Address Labels and adhere to sheet protectors.I use Return Address size labels for other organizing purposes, so you might want to check out the creating labels tutorial even if you don't plan on adding the labels to your binder.

Step 4: Get organized by adding your documents, photos and journaling.

Step 5: Enjoy flipping through your binder, finding everything in one place and feeling organized! :)

Make sure sheet protectors will fit in your binder without sticking out. It usually says on the label.

I put the labels right on the sheet protector so I can flip through quickly and see what's missing. I use these Return Address size labels for other organizing purposes (love the small size!), so you might want to check out the creating labels tutorial even if you don't plan on adding the labels to your binder. I used Microsoft Word 2007 in the tute, but you can adjust by searching around a bit in other versions of Word.

Begin with the gathering process--adding documents, photos and journaling to each sheet protector as you find them. You can go back and organize things within the protector later.

One last tip: Costco is a great source for binders and sheet protectors.

family favorites recipe book

We held our "family favorites recipe book" project class last night. I loved seeing all the different papers everyone chose for their pages and borders.

What is a Family Favorites Recipe Book?
It's a place to organize and store your family favorite recipes--the ones you use often. I'm loving how simple it is to go to one book instead of trying to remember if a certain recipe is in my "favorites" file or one of many recipe books in my pantry.

How do I get started? 
 
SUPPLY LIST:

• family favorite recipes
• 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" album
• 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" sheet protectors
• 8 1/2" x 11" non-textured white cardstock
• 7-8 sheets patterned paper
• paper trimmer
• adhesive
• 1" circle punch
  

Print or see a more detailed supply list.

Albums are available online at ShopWeR. (I hate to say it, but this company's customer service is awful, so if you can find an album somewhere else, do it!)

What's next?
Step 1: Gather your family favorite recipes. Download the page template and type in your own recipes by clicking on the boxes. If your title or recipe doesn't fit, make your font smaller. You can choose a template that will allow you to add photos or leave them out.
page template with photos
page template without photos

Step 2: Remove the center line from your typed recipe pages and print. (Our experience was that printers feed pages very differently, so removing the center line allows you to trim down the middle of the page without small discrepancies being noticeable.) Trim recipe pages in half.

Step 3: Download and personalize your title page with your own name and your table of content page with your own categories by clicking on my text. A box will appear so you can type your own information. Print the title page/table of contents page.
Title page and TOC template

Step 4: Assemble your recipe book.

Trim the title block about 1/4" from the border and adhered it to patterned paper.

Choose one pattern for each of your categories in the table of contents. Punch a 1" circle and adhere right over the circle on the template.

Trim 3/4" strips from each of your patterned papers and adhere to the edge of each page according to which category it fits into. Soups have this pattern:

Salads have my favorite pattern--the apples:

Main dishes have the chicken pattern:

I had to work with this last pattern because there are spaces between the rows of chickens. I didn't want half my pages to have chicken bums :), so I did some selective trimming.

Step 5: Add recipe pages to sheet protectors. If you plan to add photos to your book, your recipes will be on the right side of a two-page spread. If you are omitting photos, you will insert a recipe on each side of the two-page layout.

Step 6: Enjoy being organized and showing off your family favorites cookbook!

I loved having the Young Women join us for this project. We have several using it as a YW value project. This is the last project Daria Roberts has to do to receive her Young Women recognition. That's awesome! I think each of the girls have done most or all of the typing for their own (and their mother's) books. :)

Be sure to show me your finished pages when they're completed, I want to see!

Tip: I trimmed the rest of my patterned paper into 3/4" strips for when I want to add more recipes later. I keep them and my extra cardstock together in a "recipe book project file" in my craft area.