Experimenting with Fused Plastic

I have quite a few fabric shopping bags, but I don't always remember to take them with me when I shop. I usually recycle any plastic bags we bring home, but every once in awhile I experiment with fusing plastic bags into fabric. I have made a few really useful things so far!

I made my daughter an apron, perfect for painting and crafts because it just wipes clean!

I made a hair cutting cape since I usually cut my family's hair at home.

I like to play around with the designs, and it's so easy to do - just cut colored pieces of plastic and place in between layers of clear or white pieces, then fuse them together. The patterns stay put and show through, so it's like creating your own fabric!

Here are some yellow and orange flowers:

 And some hearts!

Have fun, and remember to recycle your unused plastic when you're done!

Easy Little Shelves

What do an empty clementine crate, wire shelves, and my daughter's crafts all have in common? They're hanging on my wall!

I have been on the look out for shelves that would allow us to show off the lovely crafts my daughter brings home from school. Up until now, they have been on our kitchen counter, but it looked jumbled up rather than giving it a showcase feel.

I ran across a silver wire shelf at a thrift store and thought it would be nice to use for the smaller items. Since we have a black and yellow kitchen, I decided to paint over the silver with some of our black Rustoleum paint (this stuff is so handy to have around the house - I use it for so many crafts!).

We also have a few taller crafts that didn't fit inside the wire cube, and I thought I'd also paint an empty clementine crate to see if it'd look okay as well as hold the taller items.

I was able to hang the wire shelves using sheetrock screws, and I just sat the crate on top. I think it works very well, and I love the extra space on my kitchen counter! It made my 5-year-old feel special to see her arts and crafts up in a special place of their own, too.

An Easy Gift For Your Man

It's always hard to find a good gift for a man - all the men in my life buy something the minute they want it. My husband was in need of a small box to place the items from his pockets at the end of each day, though, and I was lucky enough to find this pretty wooden box at a local thrift store.

It was in great shape but had a couple of nicks and scratches in the wood. I wish I'd taken a before picture, so you could see how easy those were to fix using Restor-a-finish by Howard. 

I can't say enough good things about this stuff - it rocks. I use it for any real wood - on our bedroom furniture, dining room table, wooden trim on the stairs...it really just works great, with no sanding or refinishing. 

I cleaned up the inside of the box using a lint roller, and I added a photo of my daughter and me to the little indented spot in the lid, for a personal touch.

We gave it to my husband for his birthday, and it was a big hit!

Fun with Little Bottles

I love little bottles, and so does my daughter. Whether it's those little airline-sized liquor bottles or the maple syrup bottle from Cracker Barrel, it's easy to turn it into something pretty and useful.

Take something like this:

and instead of tossing the bottle when you're done, dress it up a little.

My daughter simply stuck a jeweled sticker tattoo on this one and made a lovely vase:

You could also use paint to create a lovely and functional piece of art.

They're the perfect size for a single flower - we love them!

How to Make Mobile Indoor/Outdoor Speakers

My family recently thought it would be a good idea to install some outdoor speakers so we could enjoy music when we're in the pool or out on the deck, but the more we looked into it, the more we thought it would be easier, and more useful, if we pulled together a solution that would allow us to use them anywhere (well, within our Wi-fi reach, at least).

My husband came up with the idea of using Apple's Airport Express to allow us to play music from our iTunes (from the laptops, PC, iPads, or iPhones, or iPods if you have them). From there, we found some speakers that we liked, but they weren't very mobile. We thought it would be fun to be able to move them outside when we're in the pool or yard, and inside when we want to use the speakers in a room where we normally wouldn't be able to hear our computers' built-in speakers.

I came up with a solution that uses all of the above, but in a small, rolling suitcase.

What You'll Need:
-Apple Airport Express
-Power strip or surge protector
-Rolling fabric suitcase
-Computer speakers (We used the Logitech Z313 speaker system)

It was really easy to set up: all I did was connect the components and place them into the suitcase. We were lucky and had this older, small, rolling suitcase up in our closet. It's covered in fabric, so it doesn't muffle the noise noticeably, but that means it isn't waterproof, so we'll need to be extra careful to remember to roll it all in when we're finished.

My first step was to make sure everything worked: I plugged it in and tested it, and everything sounded great.

Luckily, this suitcase had a piece of fabric that connected to the bottom with velcro, and this was handy in keeping the smaller speakers from moving around.

So, I tucked the smaller speakers under the fabric and used the velcro to hold them in place.

Then, I added the other components, heaviest on the bottom. Make sure the power strip is in the ON position so you won't have to open the zipper each time you use it.

I left the plug outside the suitcase, since it will need to be plugged in each time we use it. Since this speaker set also had a volume control, I also left it hanging outside and zipped around it. However, if you choose a speaker system that doesn't have a separate volume control, you can still use iTunes to control the speaker volume.

That's it! It's now ready to roll around and be used. I'm so excited to be able to listen to some decent tunes this summer while we enjoy the warm weather.

To use them, roll into place, plug it in, then go to your iTunes console, and click the speaker option (lower right of the screen - the rectangle shape). Select "Airport Express", and the output will be redirected to your Airport Express, wherever it may be.

And here it is on our deck, beside the hot tub. It sounds great!

This solution will be so handy for our 4th of July cook out - I can't wait!

Even More (Yes, I Know!) T-shirt Yarn Crafts

Okay, my obsession with this stuff is never ending. I'm working on some necklaces that will allow the wearer to change out the beads and charms, but in the mean time...I bring you the T-shirt yarn watch!

This was really just so easy, I'm planning to make a few more.

Basically, I just picked up a few of these at my local craft supply store:

I used beading wire and findings to attach the watch to a piece of T-shirt yarn, then I wrapped it around my wrist.

The best part is that if I get tired of the orange, I can always just attach it to a different colored strand for a totally new look. I could also layer this one with another color for a different look. The possibilities are endless!

More Experiments with T-shirt Yarn

In my previous posts, I made three types of scarves from t-shirt yarn. Now that Spring is near, I wanted to use some colorful t-shirt yarn to make a necklace or two, though.

I found a bright blue, solid t-shirt at our local thrift store for $1. When I last made my t-shirt yarn, I made parallel cuts to create many long loops (the dark green infinity scarf in this post). This time, I decided to make a continuous piece of yarn by removing the hem, then cutting a single layer all around the bottom until I reached the armpits.

This made a lot of yarn, a big heap of it.

My four-year-old daughter found it all very intriguing and wanted to help. Who am I to refuse? She also wanted me to make a video of her showing us all how to make it:

As you can see, we have a future McGalver on our hands, which makes me really proud!

I learned a very important lesson, though - as you turn your cut t-shirt into yarn, make sure you either roll it up into a ball as you go, stack it, or somehow otherwise keep it nice and tidy. If you don't, you'll end up with a big ol' knotted mess, like I did.

It took me an hour to turn this:

into this:

Once that was tidied up, though, I was good to go. I have had my eye on Sailor's Knot necklaces, like this one, for a while, and set out to learn how to make one like it.

I found a wonderful, step-by-step guide to the Carrick Bend (often used in Sailor's Knot necklaces) here. I viewed other websites and videos, but this one was, hands-down, the easiest for me to follow. I decided to try it using the t-shirt yarn, even though it isn't as stiff as the twisted rope that is often used in these necklaces.

This was the result:

I like it! I used 4 strands of yarn on each side, for a total of 8 when the necklace is finished. I also varied the knot a bit, too, by tucking the bottom 4 strands on each side through the back of the upper loops. I finished it by knotting each side, then adding a dab of fabric glue to hold it. I then used jump rings and a necklace clasp, and it was complete!

Make a Heart-Shaped Wreath for Valentine's Day

It's that time of year again, when everywhere you look you see red hearts. Love is in the air, and if you're feeling festive and want to decorate, try this easy DIY wreath from upcycled materials.

What You'll Need:

-Wire Clothes Hanger (2 will be needed for a large wreath)

-Pool Noodle

-Duct Tape

-Scissors

-Needle nose pliers

-Fabric (I used a red sweater that had a fringe trim)

-Ribbon and any other decorations of your choosing

-Small plastic bead necklace

-Needle and thread (or glue)

First, cut your pool noodle into 2 pieces of the same length. If you don't want a large wreath, you don't have to use the entire noodle, but it's better to start with pieces that are too big and trim them down than to start with pieces that are smaller than you'd liked.

Then, use your needle nose pliers to cut the hooked top off the wire hanger. Straighten out what remains of the wire hanger, and check its length against the pool noodle pieces. The wire should be long enough so that several inches of wire remaining stick out of each side of the noodle pieces.

If one piece of wire is long enough for both pieces of pool noodle, cut it in half; if you need more, prepare a second wire hanger by cutting it and straightening it. Feed each piece of wire into the hollow centers of the two pieces of pool noodle.

Start molding the pool noodles into a heart shape. Bend the wires as you go so that the noodle holds its shape. You'll want to cut notches into the underside of curves so that the noodle bends easily. Cutting the upper edges of the heart at an angle will also help the heart fit together more easily.

Cut the top of the bottom pieces of the noodle at an angle as well, so that they are flush.

Use your needle nose pliers to twist the two pieces of wire together. Once they are twisted, use the pliers to trim away the extra wire.

Now, use pieces of duct tape to ensure that everything stays put. I taped the stress points - where the two pieces joined together at the top and bottom, as well as the curves of the heart.

I then cut the fabric of the sweater to wrap the noodle all the way around, plus a few inches for overlap. I used a needle and thread and a simple tacking stitch to join the fabric edges together and attach the bow and hanger, but you could also use fabric glue or a hot glue gun if you don't want to sew.

That's it! You can always buy a wreath form at a craft supply store, but I had a pool noodle that I really didn't want to throw into a landfill. By turning it into a wreath, I'll be able to enjoy it for years to come!

Another T-shirt Yarn Scarf

After I made the last scarves from T-shirts, I came across this awesome-looking scarf made from t-shirt yarn and a crocheted cuff. I decided to give one a try, but since I don't crochet, I used a felted wool sweater. For the T-shirt yarn, I used three large t-shirts.

For the most part, I followed her directions, but my t-shirts didn't quite give me 12 strips that were 144 inches long. Mine were about 96 inches each, so I went with that. 

Since the felted wool sleeve's knit was very tight, I used a chop stick to push the edge through the bottom of the sleeve and out the other side, then I was able to pull them through until they hung evenly out each side. 

It isn't perfect, but I like it!

Make a Dog Sweater from an Old Human Sweater, New and Improved!

In a previous post, I made an ugly little dog sweater from an old human sweater. While it was easy to do, it wasn't very pretty, and I vowed to make something that would make my chihuahua proud to wear in public.

I picked up an old pink sweater from a thrift shop, and the sleeve was the perfect size for him.

It's so easy! All you have to do is:
1) Make sure the cuff fits comfortably over your dog's head.

2) Cut holes for the front legs.
3) Cut an opening in the lower belly so your dog can do his or her business without getting the sweater dirty.
4) Finish the edges with a zigzag stitch (on the machine) or a whip stitch (by hand). Note that if you use a felted wool sweater (100% wool sweater, shrunk to felt by washing in hot water and drying in the dryer), you don't have to worry about loose threads and won't need to finish the edges.

 He loves it!

Make Your Own Doodle Frame

In the never-ending search for new Grandparent gifts, I came across a Doodlebook Photo Frame and thought it was a cute idea. If you want to make your own as a gift (or for yourself), you can by following these easy steps!

What You'll Need:

-Frame (any size you'd like - I used one for a 4"x6" photo)
-Cardboard
-Plain white paper
-Glue
-Scissors
-Utility knife
-2 Paper clips or binder clips

I picked up a couple of cheap, ugly frames at a thrift store for $1 each. They have blue denim on the front, but it really doesn't matter how ugly they are, because they'll soon be covered. I liked these because they have a flat front, so they provide a nice surface for the pad of paper.

To start, use one piece of paper to make a pattern of the front of the frame. Use this pattern to cut the cardboard to fit the front border of the frame.

Next, cut the paper to the size of the frame and line it up neatly so that the top edges are straight.

Now, lay it down flat on a surface that won't be damaged by the utility knife. Using the cardboard as a guide, gently cut away the inside opening through the stack of paper. It's best to take your time during the step and apply a gentle, even pressure with the knife. If you rush or press too hard, the paper is more likely to tear or have rough edges.

Next, line the top edge of the stack of paper, and clip them all tightly together with your clips. Use a thin, even layer of glue along the top edge to create a pad of paper in the shape of the front of the frame. Lean the pad against something so that it remains upright, and let it dry.

Once the glue is dry, glue the cardboard to the front of the frame. Most any glue would probably work, but I like Quick Grip glue.

Finally, glue the paper to the cardboard by gluing the back page to the cardboard. You can decorate the front page however you'd like.

My daughter added her own, special decorations, and we placed a copy of her annual photo with Santa inside the frame before we wrapped them for her grandparents. Now, whenever she visits, she can redecorate the frame simply by removing the top sheet and coloring the next clean sheet.

Make a Dog Sweater from an Old Human Sweater

We have a long-haired Chihuahua, and even though he's pretty big as far as Chihuahuas go, he's a little dog and gets cold pretty easily. He has made it clear that the past few mornings have been much too cold for his tastes by shivering for several minutes after he comes back in from outside.

We decided to make him a doggie sweater from an old sweater I'd kept for craft projects. It's mostly cotton and not the most attractive sweater around, so I thought it'd be perfect for our sweet little dog.

For a small dog like ours, one sleeve is all that is needed, so there is plenty left over for a purse, hat, or other project.

To get started, measure your dog's neck size and then measure around the small end of the sleeve (stretched) to ensure it will fit over his or her head. Then, measure from the base of the neck (collar) down the back as far as you want the sweater to go. Cut that length of sleeve.

Cut the sleeve open, leaving approximately 3" at the narrow end intact.

At this point, you'll want to do a test fit to double check the neck size and length down the dog's back.

Now, go back to the sweater and remove the rest of the sleeve you've already cut.

This will fill in the chest and upper stomach area of the sweater, so do a rough fit and cut two leg openings in the piece. Try it on your dog to make sure the leg openings are wide enough.

Take both pieces off your dog and sew them together by placing them right sides together, then sew down each side. I used a narrow length, wide zigzag stitch to ensure that the sweater doesn't fray.

Finish off all the edges, including the leg holes, with a narrow length, wide zigzag stitch. You could also hem the edges for a more finished look, or if you're a perfectionist. (I am not, obviously.)

Our dog is a male who squats like a girl when he pees, so I didn't want the sweater to come down very far on his stomach. If you have a girl dog or a boy who pees with his leg up, you could use a wider second piece for more coverage.

It isn't the most attractive doggie sweater I've ever seen, but he definitely likes it. We can just call this his "staying in" sweater, and we'll make him a prettier one for going out on the town.