Cute Crafties: BOO wreath TUTORIAL

Okay, so I think this is just the cutest Halloween decoration!! It is just so fun and festive! Who wouldn't LOVE it?!

Craftaholics Anonymous: BOO wreath TUTORIAL

Cute Crafties: Burlap Christmas Wreath

This is such a cute Christmas wreath! It's so unique! I just love love love it!! :)Craftaholics Anonymous: Burlap Christmas Wreath

Cute Crafties: Necktie Envlope

What a fun way to use up old ties! Plus ya the men don't always LOVE the pretty envolpes and cards, so this can give em some of their manly manness back! ;)

http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/necktie-envelope

Cute Crafties: City-Mouse Toy

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/city-mouse-toy

Cute Crafties: Birds of a Feather Family Tree

Introduction

Help your kids visualize their extended family in a cute and colorful way. Use our tree template to transfer the tree onto a bedroom or playroom wall, and paint. Then use the bird templates to depict the grandparents and successive generations.

Step 1

Print the tree and bird templates. If you have a projector, use it to project image onto wall, and trace with pencil. Otherwise, print on multiple sheets of paper and tape together. Tape templates to wall and, with transfer paper taped beneath, trace outline.

Step 2

Using transfer paper, trace birds onto limbs. (Start with owl grandparents at bottom, then branch up and out with children and grandchildren.) Paint tree; let dry.

Step 3

Paint birds; let dry. With fine-tip brush, write in names.


Read more at Wholeliving.com: Birds of a Feather Family Tree - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Pearlescent Painted Napkins and Ties

These easy-to-make ties -- satin cord trimmed with starlike dried sweetgum fruits -- are an elegant accompaniment to hemstitched napkins embellished with silver or lavender fabric paint. The "stars" are spray-painted white and attached to the cord's ends with a hot-glue gun.
Tools and Materials
Hemstitched napkins, made of cotton or linen
Fabric paint (one 2 1/4-ounce bottle covers about 3 napkins)
Small paintbrush
White spray paint, Design Master, available at crafts stores
Dried sweetgum fruits, from Dry Nature Designs
Metallic cord, (No. 9512), width S, color 3, from Shindo
Glue gun
Napkin How-To1. Wash and dry napkins to remove sizing, which can cause paint to adhere poorly.
2. Paint napkin edges using brush. Let dry completely, 2 to 3 hours. Flip napkins, and paint other side.
3. Heat-set paint (ironing is the most common method) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Napkin Ties How-To
1. Lightly spray-paint sweetgum fruits; let dry.
2. Cut cord into 12-inch lengths. Dab hot glue into openings of 2 sweetgum fruits, and insert end of a cord into each. Repeat to make additional ties. Let dry.
3. Wrap cords around folded napkins.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Pearlescent Painted Napkins Tied Up with Stars - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Stuffed Animals From Kids' Drawings

To bring a child's drawing to life, pin the cut-out drawing, facedown, to two pieces of fabric. Trace with a fabric pencil, leaving about 1/4 inch all around. Cut out. Sew on button eyes. Pin fabric again, right sides facing. Sew together, leaving an opening for batting. Stuff with batting, and then sew closed. Sew on other features, such as ears, limbs, and embellishments.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Stuffed Animals from Kids' Drawings - Martha Stewart Kids 

Cute Crafties: Accordion Valentine

When opened, this valentine expresses your love four times over on its accordion folds. Constructed of assorted fine papers and assembled with convenient craft-glue dots, it's both easy to make and lovely in presentation.
Tools and MaterialsAssorted fine papers
Accordion-valentine templates
Cutting board
Bone folder
Ruler
Craft-glue dots
Accordion Valentine How-To1. Cut four hearts in graduated sizes using our downloadable accordion-valentine templates. For each heart, choose a different kind of paper.
2. Cut a 6-by-19 1/2-inch strip of paper for the base of each card.
3. Using the ruled lines of a cutting board as a guide, lay down a ruler 2 inches above the edge of the paper, and use a bone folder to score a line. Score seven more lines at 2-inch intervals.
4. Once you've completed the scoring, crease the paper back and forth to complete the accordion fold. The 4-inch remainder will be the back of the card -- a suitable place to write a personal message.
5. Find and lightly mark the center of each folded peak. Start at the back peak, and place a glue dot over the center mark.
6. Center the largest heart in place, making sure it does not extend beyond the card. One by one, glue the remaining dots to the card, folding each "peak" over the last heart glued to help guide placement.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Accordion Valentine - Martha Stewart Holidays 

Cute Crafties: Valentine's Day Glittered Greeting Cards

Tools and MaterialsInk stamp
Pigment-based ink
Card
Glue pen
Glitter
Pen
Soft paintbrush
Glittered Greeting Cards How-To1. Start with stamp rubber-side up. Ink the stamp by lightly tapping with ink pad. Once the stamp is completely covered, lift it straight up. Hold stamp an inch from your mouth and "huff" on it to remoisten the ink.
2. Using a ruled cutting mat as a guide, find the center of your card. Stamp the image onto card. Let ink dry.
3. Highlight details with a fine-tip glue pen. Sprinkle glitter. Let dry.
4. Sign name in ink color that matches stamps. Brush off excess glitter with a soft paintbrush.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Valentine's Day Glittered Greeting Cards - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute crafties: Block Print Valentines

A Valentine's Day card is even more special when it's handmade, and there are a number of techniques you can employ to create your own cards at home. One especially distinctive method is block printing. Dating back to ninth-century China, block printing involves transferring an ink impression of a design carved in wood, linoleum, or other engravable medium to another surface. Once a design is chosen and then carved, it can be used to make an unlimited number of prints. If you're creating multiple cards, reapply ink to the block after each print, and wash the block with warm water, drying it with a lint-free cloth after every three prints.
Tools and MaterialsDesigns of your choice
Tracing paper
Pencil
Speedy Stamp
Large spoon
Linoleum cutter
Various linoleum cutter blades
Block-printing ink
Wax-coated paper plates
Soft rubber brayer
Card stock
Block Print Valentines1. Choose a design to use on your card, such as a heart, a photograph, a favorite pattern, a leaf, etc. Using tracing paper, trace design with a pencil. Center tracing paper facedown onto Speedy Stamp, and rub the entire surface of the tracing paper with the back of a spoon to transfer your design.
2. Using linoleum cutter, carefully carve out design. The blades come in different sizes for more and less detailed work. Alternate between blades as needed until your design is fully carved.
3. Squeeze out a small dollop of block-printing ink onto a wax-coated paper plate. Roll brayer over ink to spread it. The brayer should be thoroughly covered with a thin, even layer of ink before it's rolled over the block. Roll brayer over stamp, coating the raised areas.
4. Place your card stock facedown onto stamp, and lightly rub the surface with the back of a spoon. Gently pull paper away. You may also place the block facedown on the paper, pressing gently and evenly.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Block Print Valentines - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Valentine Rolling Stamp

This Valentine's Day, you can personalize an envelope, enhance a blank greeting card, or even design your own stationery with a customized rolling stamp. As stylist Helen Quinn demonstrates, with some self-adhesive foam, colored ink, kraft paper, and a little creativity, the process is easy and sure to yield memorable holiday greetings.
Tools and Materials1 1/4-inch wooden dowel
2 two-inch screws
Self-adhesive foam
Inkpad
Low-tack tape
Kraft paper, cards, and/or envelopes
Rubber or latex gloves
Valentine Rolling Stamp How-To1. Cut the dowel to a length of 1 to 3 inches, stand it on one end, and drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws into the center. Repeat for the other side. Insert the two screws, leaving 1 inch protruding from the handle on each end.
2. Cut out a design, such as a heart, from the self-adhesive foam. You may find it easier to draw it first on the back of the foam. If you want to make letters, draw them on the back, and place them in reverse order on the roller. Remember to cover as much of the roller as you can; don't leave large gaps.
3. Lay the kraft paper, card, or envelope down on a smooth surface, and tape it down using the low-tack tape. Roll the foam-covered roller on an inkpad until it's thoroughly coated. Wear gloves to prevent the ink from staining your fingers. Roll the inked roller across the paper, card, or envelope from one edge to the other. Re-ink, re-roll, and then allow it to dry. The roller can be washed with soap and water; allow it to dry before printing again or using a different color.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Valentine Rolling Stamp - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Paper Heart Wrappings

Opening a mysterious gift packet is even more thrilling when the wrapping itself turns out to be a beautiful valentine. Start by selecting decorative papers; origami paper is best because it folds neatly and easily. Other papers can be used, as long as they aren't too heavy or stiff to fold crisply. Also consider double-sided papers, since both sides will be visible.
Tools and MaterialsTemplateDecorative paper
Pencil
Bone folder (optional)
Ruler
Ribbon (optional)

Paper Hearts How-To1. Print out template; if necessary, enlarge it on a photocopier so that the square in the center is large enough to fit whatever you want to tuck inside (these envelopes work best for flat objects). Trace the outline of the template onto decorative paper with a pencil, and cut just inside the pencil outlines to avoid having to erase them later.

2. Lay the template over the cutout heart, and make creases along the four lines by lightly folding the paper. Smooth creases with a bone folder or your finger; a ruler will help achieve a perfect line. Remove the template.

3. Fold in each side of the heart, then fold down the top, smoothing each crease with the bone folder or your finger. Slip the point of the heart into the open top, making sure that it fits snugly before completing the fold. If you want to seal the packet with a bow, make slits wide enough to accommodate a piece of narrow ribbon in the top and bottom creases of the square. Multiple hearts can be nested, as long as each fits within the center square of another when folded.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Paper Heart Wrappings - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Easy Doily Valentines

Create a little romance this month with inexpensive paper doilies. Their pretty cutwork is just right for lending a touch of nostalgia to Valentine's Day.
Doilies supply a bouquet of paper posies to decorate Valentine's Day cards. Cut out a mixture of blossoms -- Queen Anne's lace, daisies, camellias -- and glue them to the front of a folded piece of card stock. Snip, arrange, and glue green card-stock stems and leaves, too. For a less flowery card, write a heartwarming message in white gouache or ink, as we did; seal the envelope with a single lacy bloom.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Easy Doily Valentines - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Rosy Stationery

Leafy vegetables make great-tasting salads -- and sumptuous floral-shaped stamps, too. Here, the end of a head of Treviso radicchio yields a roselike print. Cut off stem end with a sharp knife, and stand stem on a paper towel, cut-side down, for 5 minutes to dry. Press cut side onto a large stamp pad, then onto cards, stationery, and more, blotting on paper towel between presses. Vary stamp shapes with other vegetables, such as romaine lettuce stems or even brussels sprouts cut in half.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Rosy Stationery - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Romantic Banner Cards

Tools and MaterialsBanner template
Decorative paper
Blank fold-over card
Utility knife
White glue
Fine point bottle or fine point brush, optional
Glitter, optional

Romantic Banner Cards How-To1. Download and print banner template. Cut out the phrase banner you would like to place onto card.
2. Trace decorative paper to front of card. Martha traced decorative paper 1/4 inch smaller on all sides than card in order to create a border effect.
3. Add Positionable Mounting Adhesive (PMA) to back of decorative paper. Decide where you want the banner to go; using a utility knife, make two slits in paper for the banner ends. Trim decorative paper to desired size for card. Insert banner ends into slits, then stick decorative paper to card.
4. If desired, add glitter details to highlight the design or picture on decorative paper. Dab white glue on details using a fine point bottle or fine point brush, then sprinkle with glitter. Tap paper slightly to remove any excess.

ResourcesDecorative paper is from www.barbaraschriberdesigns.com. Fold-over cards are from www.paperpresentation.com. Glass glitter is from www.artglitter.com. Scotch PMA can be found at office supply stores.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Romantic Banner Cards - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Pop-Up Valentine

This clever pop-up valentine is designed so that when you open it, the two people kiss. This is a unique way to say, "I love you!"

Tools and MaterialsPop-Up Valentine Template 1
Pop-Up Valentine Template 2
Pop-Up Valentine Template 3
Bone folder or knitting needle
Ruler
Scissors
Glue
Personal photocopied photographs
Scraps of card stock

Pop-Up Valentine How-ToDownload and print the three templates: Pop-Up Valentine Template 1, Pop-Up Valentine Template 2, Pop-Up Valentine Template 3. The templates include the step-by-step process for this fun holiday craft.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Pop-Up Valentine - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Heart Seals

Tug at your valentine's heartstrings with an embellished envelope. Cut out the hearts from colored card stock using a specialty hole punch (available at crafts stores). Poke two holes into each heart with a needle, then sew the hearts onto dual-capacity envelopes (buy your own or download our template) using the needle and silk beading cord. Secure stitches with a double knot on the backside of the flaps. After inserting the valentine, close the envelope by winding a 5-inch length of the cord in a figure-eight motion around the hearts.



Read more at Marthastewart.com: Heart Seals - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Doily Envelopes

Paper doilies make delightful, lacy sleeves for hand-delivered valentines. Fold different kinds of doilies to show off particular elements of their patterns -- a starry mandala, a ring of wheeling snowflakes, a fragile open heart. With the embossed side of the doily face up, fold in the sides, then fold up the bottom. Cut a piece of tinted art paper to fit neatly inside. Write something flattering and true, and seal the envelope with the tap of a glue stick. The contrasting color dramatizes the lace pattern and hints at the tender message within.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Doily Envelopes - Martha Stewart Holidays 

Cute Crafties: Valentine's Day Card Ideas

Introduction

Quilling, or paper filigree, is the art of creating intricate shapes from strips of paper. The technique is simple: After a long, narrow ribbon of paper is rolled around a needlelike tool, the strip is slipped off, arranged with your fingertips into the desired shape, and then glued to a background of contrasting paper, fabric, or wood.

Quilled motifs such as flowers and hearts express sweet sentiments for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, but they also add an elegant touch to cards for any occasion.

Step 1

Gather Materials

Don't let the elaborate effects fool you; quilling is simple. You need only a few basic crafts items.

Clockwise from top:A round-headed pin is useful for precise glue application.

A slotted quilling tool lets you create coiled shapes with ease.

Fine-pointed tweezers are essential for tiny shapes.

Use small sharp scissors to cut fringe.

Quilling paper comes in a variety of colors and widths; most of our projects can be made with standard precut strips. If you prefer, use a paper cutter and medium-weight paper, such as vellum or stationery, to make your own; construction paper is too heavy and will not roll easily.

Step 2

Basic Quilling Shapes

Experiment with basic techniques before starting a project.

Loose CircleCreate a tight circle, but do not glue. Instead, lay it on a flat surface, and let it expand. When satisfied with the shape and size, glue the end of the strip to secure.

Loose ScrollForm a loose circle, but do not glue closed.

MarquiseFashion and glue a loose circle; pinch each end.

Connected ScrollsMake several loose scrolls; position with unrolled ends pointing the same way. Curve each over rolled end of next scroll; glue.

Open HeartFold a strip in half, and crease. Roll each end toward center.

V ScrollCrease paper at center; roll ends outward.

S ScrollForm an S shape by rolling one end toward center, and the other in the opposite direction.

C ScrollRoll both ends of a strip toward the center.

Step 3

Open Hearts

Open heart shapes are used in the quilled heart valentine. To make open hearts, fold a strip in half, and crease. Roll each end toward center and glue to card.

Step 4

Tight Circle

Tight circles are one of the most basic quilled shapes, and are used to make the quilled frame cards.

To make a tight circle, slip paper into the slot on the quilling tool, placing paper's end flush with edge of slot.

Step 5

Complete the Tight Circle

To complete the tight circle, turn tool until strip is rolled into a firm cylinder. Remove paper from tool, and glue closed to complete your tight circle.

Step 6

Teardrop

Another common shape is the teardrop, which is also used in the quilled frame cards. To make a teardrop, create and glue a loose circle; pinch one end to form a point.

Step 7

Frame

If you want to design a frame or border for your card, create a freehand pattern that incorporates several of the basic shapes you've learned. Alternatively, you can purchase a published pattern, many of which are available in clip-art books.

Here, we arranged a series of fleurs-de-lis, each made from three V scrolls of graduated sizes, and one teardrop. Form and glue individual shapes, using the pattern as a guide. Then use a ruler to draw a rectangle on the card. Dab points of glue on undersides of quilled shapes and position them, standing on edge, along the pencil line. Hold in place for 15 seconds to allow glue to set.

Step 8

Fringed Flower

Fringed flower shapes are used in the quilled floral cards. To make a fringed flower such as a daisy or a zinnia, scallop the top of a strip of paper, and then cut fringe. (To create flowers with centers, glue together two strips of paper, each a different width and color, end to end; then fringe.) Roll entire length of paper into a tight circle, as shown here.

Step 9

Complete the Fringed Flower

Glue closed. With your fingers, spread the fringe and separate it into petals. Curl the petal ends outward and downward with tweezers to achieve desired shape.

Step 10

Bells

Bells are used to make the quilled lily-of-the-valley card. Roll and glue a tight circle. Using your finger, push center of circle to create a cone. Secure the end with glue. If desired, spread a light layer of glue over surface of bell; this will help the bell keep its shape. Or spread glue inside to hide the glued area. Positioned along four leafy stems made from strips of green paper to complete the lily-of-the-valley.

Step 11

Script

Quilled script is used to make the scripted valentines. You can write a message in your own hand, adapt one from a calligraphy book, or create one on a computer. Lay short strips of quilling paper along the curves of each letter you want to form. Shape ends with quilling tool, or use scissors to curl paper as you would a ribbon; cut strips to correct length. Trace message onto paper. Glue at intervals, one letter at a time. Turn quilling paper on edge; use tweezers to hold it in place for 15 seconds to allow glue to set.

Read more at Wholeliving.com: How to Make Quilled Cards - Martha Stewart Crafts 

Cute Crafties: Heirloom Family Tree in Glass Dome

Introduction
A random assortment of family keepsakes, from a grandfather's spectacles to a baby's christening spoon, takes on a cohesive, deliberate look that's almost Victorian when encased in a delicate glass dome. The little tree is a lightweight branch bought from a florist, then spray-painted matte gold and held upright with epoxy.


Step 1
Using saw, trim and prune branch to fit inside dome. Sand bottom of branch so it rests flat. Spray-paint, and let dry.

Step 2
Determine spot on wooden base to anchor branch so dome fits over it. Mix epoxy, following package instructions, and adhere branch to base. Let dry completely, and cure.

Step 3
Print the name-tag templates* and write names and birth dates. Using craft knife, cut out name tags on mat.

Step 4
Carefully position and hang family curios and keepsakes, starting with the name tag of the family member of your choice at the bottom and working up. Use small balls of museum wax to balance or anchor things in place and to attach tags. Cover with glass dome.

{* http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2010Q4/msl_1110_familytrees_heirloom.pdf }

Cute Crafties: Scrapbook Covers with Monogrammed Velvet Ribbon

To imprint monograms on velvet ribbon, you'll need an iron, rubber stamps, and velvet ribbon wide enough to accommodate the stamps (silk ribbons and silk-rayon blends work best).

Stamps that have intricate patterns or are too shallow will produce less-than-perfect results.

Plan on making a test ribbon or two with your chosen materials to determine how much heat, time, and pressure produce the best imprints.

How-To
1. Cut a ribbon to desired length; to create a monogrammed ribbon for a photo album, cut the ribbon the length of front and back covers, plus binding, and 2 extra inches (the extra ribbon on ends will wrap around inside covers). Use a fabric pen on the reverse side of the ribbon to mark stamp placement.

2. With the steam function off, preheat the iron to the cotton or wool setting. Place the rubber stamp, relief side up, on a sturdy, heatproof surface. Place the ribbon, pile side down, over the stamp. Using the portion of the iron's soleplate that has no steam holes, press down evenly on the ribbon, covering the stamp.

Hold the iron in place without moving for 10 to 30 seconds. Then lift the iron straight up off the ribbon. (If the ribbon sticks to the iron, the heat setting may be too high or the velvet used may contain heat-sensitive synthetics.) Gently remove the ribbon from the stamp, and check whether the image is clear. Let ribbon cool.

3. To attach the ribbon to a photo album, carefully apply a low-moisture paste-style glue, such as Yes Paste, to inside front cover, and secure ribbon end. Let dry 5 minutes. Then wrap ribbon around album, and glue other end inside back cover.

Cute Crafties: Baby Kimonos

Though in modern Japan, kimonos are worn mostly on special occasions, many features translate wonderfully to everyday baby clothes. Wrap shirts or dresses are ideal for babies, who dislike having clothing pulled on or off over their heads. Kimonos tie or button securely closed, and the fasteners are out of the way, so curious babies aren't tempted to toy with or nibble on them. And the double layer of material across the chest will add extra warmth where a toddler will need it most.

Our kimono is amazingly versatile. Basic and clean of line, it takes on different personalities depending on the length and the fabric it's made from. Short kimonos make lightweight, comfortable shirts. Longer kimonos can be dresses or coats.

Tools and Materials
Pattern paper
1 yard of fabric
2 yards of single-fold bias tape
10 inches of thin ribbon
Sewing supplies

Baby Kimonos How-To
Preparing the Pattern
1. Download and print our template, and use it to make a two-piece pattern.

2. Use our pattern full-size for size 0 to 3 months. For bigger babies, enlarge it as follows: For 3 to 6 months, photocopy at 105 percent; 6 to 12 months, 110 percent; 12 to 18 months, 115 percent; 18 to 24 months, 120 percent; 24 to 36 months, 125 percent. If you are using a thick fabric, use the next size up.

3. After you have assembled the pattern, lay the fabric wrong side up, pin pattern pieces on top, and cut out (a 3/8-inch seam allowance is included in the pattern). Mark dots on fabric pieces.

Sewing the Kimono
4. Make ties: Cut 21-inch piece of single-fold bias tape. Open tape, fold in half, with right sides facing, and sew along crease parallel to fold. Trim close to stitching. With loop turner, turn inside out; press. Cut into three equal pieces. Lay main-garment piece flat, wrong side up, front toward you. Lift fabric at angled cut at the shoulder; pin two ties at dots, positioning as shown. Fold up sleeve hems by 3/8 inch twice, pin, and topstitch.

5. Lay front-flap piece wrong side up; fold left side in by 3/8 inch twice; pin and topstitch. Place front-flap piece on main-garment piece over the right sleeve, right sides facing; align angled shoulder edges, sandwiching in ends of ties, and pin. Stitch along angled edges with 3/8-inch seam allowance. Zigzag edges. Beneath angled shoulder, fold side edge of main garment under twice by 3/8 inch; topstitch to hem. Fold kimono in half along shoulders, right sides facing. Pin along sides and underside of sleeves. On left side (with garment front facing you) at dot under the arm, pin a 5-inch ribbon. Hand stitch another 5-inch ribbon at dot on edge of front flap. (These provide inner ties.) Sew along pinned edges with 3/8-inch seam allowance, catching tie. Zigzag edges. In curves under each arm, make 5 cuts in seam allowance without cutting through straight stitching. Hem kimono as sleeves were hemmed. Turn right side out.

6. Pin the third 7-inch tie at dot on angled edge of garment front, as shown. Cut 8-inch piece of bias tape. Open, pin to angled edge, right sides facing, starting at neck and aligning edges as shown; sew along top crease, catching tie. Fold tape over fabric edge, refold at crease, and hand stitch to wrong side of garment, sewing to end of tape. Press.

7. Trim away point of fabric extending beyond angled edge of front flap. Cut a 12-inch piece of bias tape, and use it to cover the raw edge of the neckline as you did the angled shoulder, turning ends of tape under to hem. Press.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Baby Kimonos - Martha Stewart Crafts