Saturday 30 November 2013

Simple frame loom and upcycled yarns = crafters gift. (can be varied for young and older).

http://www.ehow.com/how_7249888_make-homemade-weaving-loom.html
 (More suited to 12-120 year olds) Just use old frame. Nails.

Cereal box = Child's loom. Why not use grasses, plarn, material scraps, left over gift ribbons, whatever is clean and available. This kit could then be gifted in a shoe box covered with picture ideas.

Older folk might enjoy this.

Reclaiming and cleaning yarn.

Above is the tutorial you have been looking for. I have spend hours upon hours researching. 
This is "the one".

< How to make "plarn".



Rag rugs- a dedicated, unique gift. Bonus Video, how to make T-shirt yarn.

If you are not the crafty DIY type why not consider putting together a Pinterest board of upcycle crafts like these and gifting some T-shirt yarn, easy to make from old T-shirts, to a crafty friend.

This cutie is made from vintage sheets.

I always think it is remarkable when someone who doesn't even speak the same language as I do can share a wonderful idea. Crafting really is a universal language at times. I wish I could say "Thank you for sharing" to the original person who put this out there.
                  This guide is in English with great step by step photos if you would like to see and read what to do.
These would be great in team colours as bench cushions too. Made from plarn they would be wonderfully light and water proof.

Jessica over at Peppermint twists, shares how she made a rag rug after a simple class.
(clear photo guide included.)
I wonder if an orange bag could be used as the "base", 
                                                                    or even old fly screen wire with plarn for outdoors?
Green plastic bags (non degradable) become fake lawn rugs. Oh the possibilities!


 "In the past, wooden picture frames, or a similar wooden shape, were used for the loom. My loom is constructed of pine and finishing nails. "  A little history story is entwined with this practical, easy to follow photographic style tutorial.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7249888_make-homemade-weaving-loom.html Simple written guide. This loom and some Tshirt yarn and/ or Plarn would make a great gift in itself.

To quote Apartment therapy "This rug is made from old fabric samples and tape but you could also sew it if you wanted something more durable.
(There are 6 mats in the round up but we will not hold that against them.)










Upcycled gift: T-shirt or shopping bag yarn. Can be used for knitting, crochet, weaving, even basket making.

Basically T-shirt yarn and upcycled shopping bag yarn ("plarn") can be used in most projects which wool, cotton or acrylic yarn can be used.

It is a unique gift for crafters who enjoy Knitting, crochet, weaving, basket making, the list goes on.
How to make T-shirt yarn:



Made from plarn by this wonderful lady...
This 83 year old Russian woman makes the most beautiful designs from simple plarn, Find more about her here.

A soft, light, waterproof "picnic" blanket. (Crochet).

This is great for "outdoor" types. It is light and made from "disposable" shopping bags. A little bit of cushioning/ insulation against cool, damp grass at twilight concerts. Gifting this to the homeless is also a very thoughtful idea, but not the only use for this clever mat.
Find a clear and descriptive video guide to crochet for beginners here. Just use plarn instead of yarn. (Plarn is plastic shopping bags turned into yarn.) The plarn can be made as the woman below shows ...
Or in this continuous way...




Friday 29 November 2013

Thong (flip flop) storage hangers, cute (or masculine) and easy.


Fairy Garden/ Mini Garden ideas roundup.

My 5 year old daughter loves "pink" "fairies" "princesses" and all that "girly stuff". These ideas are not only for girly girls though. Many of them are great for even the "blue" (or green) loving boy (Man) or girl (Teen, Adult). They don't have to involve gardening, although they can :) They don't require a lot of space. They are generally easy to make from upcycled items and easy park/ backyard finds.

*why not make some fairy garden items and include them in a hamper for a "DIY" kit gift. With or without plants (could be grown from cuttings). Consider a basket (second hand shops have loads of these) or a pot, extra points if it is "pre-aged" ( been sitting in your shed for years.)

http://kleas.typepad.com/kleas/2011/07/fairy-garden-embellishments.html
I love these "mushrooms". For a brighter look they could be decorated with nail polish or paint. Blu tak would work in place of the hot glue gun.

This cottage is so much simpler to make then it looks. directions here.

Why note make a
 "built your own mud brick fairy/ gnome house" Kit.
 Include directions and embellishments (broken jewelery, feathers, pebbles, shells, glitter etc) Directions and the ingredients. (Taking photos of you helping make it together and framing them would add to the memory the gift would create.)This cute swing is simple to make. Directions.
 (The chain could be a broken necklace.)
Directions for this cute and easy chair made using the wire cage from a bottle of champagne.




http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/miniature-accessories/ Has this fairy bed and more.







This wonderful bucket came from here. (Which is written in Chinese) Thankfully the directions are clearly photographed. This site has many other useful, usable ideas so please take the time to check it out. Thank goodness for
Translator. (automatically shows under toolbar).










I love the bunting and the tire swing. Using a dead branch makes maintenance of the garden easier. I cannot find the original source of this picture...I found it on pinterest here so if it is yours please let me know so I can credit it.

This is so cute and the instructions are lovely and clear.
http://thejuise.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/make-faerie-well.html


This quirky snail shell idea was found over at http://www.recyclart.org/2012/08/diy-snail-shell-mini-garden/
Which also has an inspiring picture of succulents planted in snail shells.





http://thejuise.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/broom-for-faeries.html has an easy to follow step by step guide on these brooms. A note about the wire, a frugal option to consider is these ties that come with freezer bags, just strip the paper or plastic off the top of the wire and your ready to go.
 Thank you to Lauren over at http://www.foliesdubonheur.com for letting me use this photograph she took. (above).

* A great source of fairy garden items is second hand shops, look for fish tank finds from bridges to pebbles, small novelty toys and Kitchenware/ porcelain wonders.     


I found this inspiring picture here. It doesn't have any directions, but I've included it to offer inspiration...what a great use for a bit of old wood fencing.

This is full of great ideas for items to create:
 http://thejuise.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/our-fairy-garden-tour.html



This site is in Swedish (thank goodness for very clear picture tutorials and translator). Well worth the time.













Twig and Toadstool has wonderful directions for this sweet little tea set.
 http://twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/fairies-for-tea.html
Inspiration can also be found here at the ideas gallery. I love this idea because it is so simple, just cut up a twig with secateurs, then cut some lengthwise to give a "cut wood" look.



The idea for pinecone shingles came from the site above, it doesn't have much by way of directions but the. picture is fairly self explanatory. If you don't have a hot glue gun then check the shed for other adhesives, or you could use chewing gum...yep, it sticks to everything and dries solid (but not clear).

* a coconut shell could be used in many ways pond, boat, hut, roof of dwelling, "pot" for garden and so much more.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FaerieNest has some wonderful inspiration, if you cannot afford to buy that's ok but with respect to the creator please help spread word of mouth, and social media about this wonderful etzy shop. (I haven't included any photo's because I feel it would be "cheating" the shop.)

A DIY kit gift idea on it's own here or use the how to guide for cutting the bottles and then cover with, moss/ glitter/ pain/ permanent marker/ pebbles/ shells/ pinecone or whatever.


I'd love to see/ hear your ideas, projects.


Wednesday 27 November 2013

Quick tip - save time make double...or triple

Many Mothers will tell you to cook double what you need, and freeze for later.

This is because it often costs a lot less to just double a recipe, in time and $$$. When you need it you have an almost "instant" meal ready and waiting.

Same goes for gifts. Why make one when you can make 2 or 20 or 100 with very little extra time and effort. Things to keep in mind:
* How long will it last, does this product go "off"?
* Where will you store it?
* Will this be a gift others will like?
* Is this labour/ time intense? Essentially is it worth making many at once?

Baked goods? Many cookie doughs, cake batters etc can be frozen.

Print this today . com

This is a gem of a site, worth a whole post to draw your attention :) http://printthistoday.com/ It has all sorts of looks/ styles and includes labels, and so much more all free :)

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Charm Jars. Very cute.

These are very easy to make using common household items.
*Broken jewelery,
*baby food (and other small) jars.
 A small toy can be reinvented.
 From Fairies to under the sea to gothic scene and everything in between.
Click on the picture above for a simple video to get you started.
These cute jars are available @$6.21 for 20 (aprox 30 cents AUD each) here.
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/jar-of-pearls-cell-phone-charm

I love this snow globe bottle charm over at: (The fish in a jar is cute too.)

http://www.brandywinejewelrysupply.com/blog/4-fun-diy-bottle-charms/

"Doctor Who Tardis in a bottle", this could work with star trek, footy teams, graduation "certificate" oh the ideas...
 http://www.doodlecraft.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/doctor-who-tardis-in-bottle-necklace.html

63 frugal handmade gift ideas @ Melissa's

If you haven't visited www.frugalandthriving.com.au before then now is the time :) She has many wonderful round ups and frugal gift-able ideas.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Butterfly candle jar.

I couldn't find the original source of this picture tutorial, if it is yours please let me know so I can credit it. (A "fake" tealight candle could also be used.)

Freebies: worn / stained clothes, curtains, and other textiles.

Genius (12 Pics) Gift Wrap Ideas
Use material from broken stockings to turn a pringles can into a stocking tidy. Just stick plain or coloured paper (or the paper from a brown paper bag) over the print then roll the stocking leg over the top.
24 ways to upcycle sweaters
ThreadBanger- on you tube. Basically threadBanger is filled with creative geniuses...some are a bit, ummmm, "original" but don't be scared off. They have done the hard work for you. Many easy step by step video guides for upcycled (use what you have for FREE) textile items here. 
Along with a fun filled informative experience. Bring on the laughs.
Heated rice bag. 
Placed in the fridge these can be cooling too :)

Remember many of these "sewing machine" projects can be hand sewn...which is easy to learn! 
Many "no sew" projects are also available. Basically anything made of textiles (material) can be used as an upcycle the same way as store bought. Any pattern. So check out You Tube for fun, easy, free advice from all over the world.
 (Internet is often available free in public libraries...so if your on limited internet keep that in mind.)

You can learn a lot of useful information about fabric identification and types here.

Freebies: Ribbons, Buttons, broken jewelery, broken watches, embellishments on clothes...

When I get new clothes they often have a ribbon which needs to be cut off, you know the one that helps hold them on the coat hanger in the shop. I save these. I use them for all sorts of things, scrapbooking, cardmaking, crafting, gift presentation, a collection of them would make a lovely gift for a crafty friend.

Gifts often come with ribbons, I collect and use these too.

Clothes going in the rag pile? Check for useful buttons, ribbons, embellishments (machine embroidered patterns/ images make great patches, and can often be hot glued to lids/ boxes etc.)

These can be collected and used, sold or gifted. ( www.etsy.com has loads of crafty geniuses just waiting to get their hands on your broken watches, jewelery etc ... many would love to swap their talent for your goods.)
 This recycled gem is "steampunk" style.
  (google "steampunk" images to be delighted and amazed).
This would make a great "DIY" kit gift for childrenGot any of these laying around? Decorate clips with left over nail polish, embellishments, scrap paper or just blank labels, place in cellophane bag tied with upcycled ribbon, include a picture so the recipient knows what the gift is for.
Upcycled Juice Pouches Click then scroll down to  find this easy "back to school" or "picnic" or "storage" giftable item (great to add to a hamper, fun and novel).


The key here is collection and storage. Have a system which makes it easy to collect, store and find when you need it.


Expect the system to evolve over time, all good ones do. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking. Remember, easy to access/ find what you are looking for is the key. Think display style storage, then hide that in a box or cupboard.

 UPCYCLED PAINT POT STORAGE STOOL DECOUPAGED WITH BEANO COMICS
UPCYCLED-PAINT-POT-STORAGE-STOOL-DECOUPAGED-WITH-BEANO-COMICS
Craft Shelfold crib turns into easy, cheap small space organisation station. Placed inside a cupboard it could become an organisation station, avoiding clutter and keeping things on hand for when you need them.


Make use of wall space.