http://www.spoonflower.com

See my fabric design, "Antique-ology" at http://www.spoonflower.com/explore/11122. Then upload your own!

Copy and paste into your browser: http://www.spoonflower.com/explore/11122

www.spoonflower.com

A Bit More Than a Baby Wipe

I wanted to pass along this cheap-o way of making hand sanitizing wipes that are easy on the skin, too. I buy cheap baby wipes, to begin with. Place in a strong "ziplock" bag, then I add vitamin E, (squeeze a caplet or buy a bottle of the stuff)to a stack of wipes about 2 inches deep, pour in alcohol, 1-2 TBS will do. You can add extra protection and fragrance by dropping a few drop of essential oil. I like tea tree of lavender. (These oils have germ killing properties, however, they are good for your skin, too. The alcohol is sufficient to kill germs in it self. After adding all of the ingredients to the bag, squeeze all of the air out as you zip it closed. Next, you want to mix the contents by "squishing" it around inside the bag.

I discovered that the airline travel zip locking bags last a very long time without leaking.

You can make your own wipe from soft paper towel and start from scratch. I'll try and post that recipe, also.

I carry my wipes in my purse and use them on anything from grandkids to shopping buggies!

*Note: When working with "EOs" (essential oils) be sure that you don't put them directly on your skin. Always use a carrier oil, (our vit. E is the carrier in this recipe)and work in an open space or vented area.

Join the Ring!

I *Heart* Craftster
Powered By Ringsurf

Shank That Button!

 

 

 

 

Why not just stitch on a button? Why take the time to sew it on with the shank method? This is important for stress and assures your button stays attached longer.

Here's how: 1) Put a kitchen size match, or something comparable, under the button, 2) then stitch as normal; 3) remove the match stick, do not cut the thread, but come up through the fabric as if you are going to take another stitch through the button eye, instead, wrap the thread around and around the loops of thread that is between the button and fabric; 4) do a finishing stitch at the base of the shank, which you just created, cut thread. Viola! You have just made a shank for your button and assured that your button stays attached for a very long time.

The Craft of Chic Decor

I am sorry that the writing doesn't always show up clearly. If you click on the title of this post you it will open the actual post. Then you will be able to pause each slide for better viewing.

Diaper Cake

 
 

My daughter made this precious diaper cake for a baby shower, recently. The base is a circle of cardboard. Diapers are rolled and held in place by dowel rods and cheap chop sticks. Then, each layer is held tight by ribbon, and stacked together, adding more sticks, as needed for support. Travel sized baby products, such as powder, are tucked into the rolls. Embellish with baby icons from the dollar store or scrap booking section of your local store. She then enclosed it in a net bag tied with ribbon. What a cute way to give diapers as a gift!
If you'd like more information, e-mail me at: texasgaltech@gmail.com
Posted by Picasa

Cute Rag Flip Flops

Not long ago, my grand daughter, age 4, had her tonsils out. I wanted to make her something special for her hospital stay. Hence, I made the rag flip-flops and the rag boa. Mommy bought her a princess crown, which she think that she is. She was too cute in them!

I'm sorry that I didn't take pictures of the process of making the rag flip-flops. Basically, here's what I did: I bought a cheap pair of flip-flops. To "doll" them up, I used the same material that I used for the rag boa. I traced the shoes onto the back side of the fabric and cut 2 sets of them out with pinking shears. Between these 2 layers I put a some quilting batting for some "cush". Be sure that you put the 2 wrong sides of the fabric toward each other and then stitch them around the outer edges, leaving a slit where the toe thong on the flip-flop goes. Using a hot glue gun, I glued the pads onto the shoes, closing the space around the thong. Next, I cut my strips, about 6X2 inch pieces of fabric. Now, start tying them onto the Y straps of the thong, pushing them tightly together as you go. (Do not tie any on the toe thong, itself.) I, also, used strips of ribbon and yarn, much as I did with the rag boa. When it was all done, I ADDED SOME STICK-ON RHINESTONES AND FAUX PEARLS AND GEMS.

How to Make a Rag Boa

Find some really cool, colorful, or pretty fabric. Cut into strips of about 6-8 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. How many you ask? Who knows! Really, it will depend on how long your cord or strap that you tie them to is. So, keep plenty of fabric handy. I mixed mine with ribbons, netting strips, yarn, and binding tape of many colors. When it was all done, I ADDED SOME STICK-ON RHINESTONES AND FAUX PEARLS AND GEMS.

Click on the image to go to Picasa to view all of the images. Let's get started!

Crafts

I made my "cord" to tie the pieces to by folding a long piece of material and sewing it into a long strap. If you need more help with this part just ask.