4 Ideas for things to do with scraps: Paper

Paper: I have tons of paper scraps all colors ,patterns, sizes, and leftover shapes :) My best friend lives in Washington and i live in Arizona , I saw this as a great opportunity to make her a card!! i love making things and giving them like cards, it means just a little bit more :)
What i used: old Trader Joe's bag, paper scraps, a blank envelope, double sided tape, stickers, scissors , marker, and i used tape to seal the back before mailing .

Step 1. Cut the Trader Joe's bag so it will fit in the envelope. you want to cut it just a little smaller than the envelope so it will fit nicely.

Step 2. Have fun with you papers. this is a green sheet and a collage sheet that just fit together well.

Here is a better view. She is so cute :)

Step 3. play with stickers and other scraps. I happened to have a scrap of the TJ's bag that had a shoe on it and a sticker that said dance. Sometimes I think its fate!

Step 4. The inside. I usually put a blank piece of card stock on the inside to help make the card a little more stronger that way it can stand up. i also try to continue the theme inside so the whole card comes together.

Here is the card finished!

Another thing i like to do is add to the envelope so it goes with the card. this was some more scraps I put on the back to tie it all together.

Closer view.

I love making cards. They can be a quick gift from the heart or invites to a party. I still enjoy receiving cards in the mail. It makes you think... someone stopped and wrote me. I feel special.

Hope you liked this. The last idea in this series is felt. Its a fun one !!!

Beachbody photo a day challenge April 2012

My Beach body coach put this up on her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/FitnessHoots, and im always up for a good challenge!! So here it goes!! I know that my after picture is going to be amazing!! Check back daily to see the pictures!

Day 1 Before picture. I have come a long way this year and its only april! I have lost 24 lbs and 13 inches total!! I never thought i could do this. Now I am !!

Day 2 Breakfast!! Im starting a 3 day cleanse with shakeology!!

Day 3: Daily workout! I love my Turbo Jam!! I didnt make the deadline for todays challenge on the Beachbody website, but I had to put it on here :)

Day 4: fit test... I dont have one :/

Day5 : Athletic shoes I absolutely adore my shoes I think they were my first step in the right direction!!

Day 6 Accountability Partner. I have a few :) First my husband who always believes in me, second my coach Missa Buller she reached out and helped me see who i can really be, and the last are my kids they are the reason I wanted to start this whole journey. I want to be healthy and live a long time so I can see them become great people !!

Day 7 Rest day. Today was a busy day! Lots of stuff to do before Easter!! One thing I like doing when I have free time is crafting. Today I added flowers , feathers, and jewels to Emees Easter hat!!

Day 8 Trainer My hubby is the closest thing I have to a real trainer ( Like in real person)

Day 9 Sweat. The first place I always sweat is my nose :)



4 Ideas for things to do with scraps: Fabric

Fabric is one thing I always have a ton of! Left over from projects or just remnants I just couldn't pass up. this project is simple and takes maybe 10 minutes!! I love quick and easy projects!!

Things you will need: Fabric , thread, serger and sewing machine (serger is not required),cutting tools, ribbon, safety pin.

Step 1- Cut fabric in to about a 10 x 12 rectangle.

Step 2- Serger or zig-zag all the way around your rectangle.

Step 3- Fold the top of long side down about an inch and a half to the inside and sew all the way across.

Step 4-Sew bottom and side on out side 1/2-1/4 in from edge.

Be sure not to sew through casing. Stop where the casing starts and always back stitch.

Step 5-Take a 15in or so strand of ribbon and thread through casing with safety pin. Tie ends together.

TA DA!!! You have a handy little bag !! great for gift giving or packaging etsy orders!!

4 Ideas for things to do with scraps: Yarn

Yarn: I love to crochet!! I have lots and lots of left over yarn from projects all over the place though!!! This quick and easy project can be one for yourself, a last minute gift , or an accessory for a lil fashonista!!!

Stitches used:

chain

Puff Stitch http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0pHAP5R4PY <--Tutorial on Puff Stitch

What you will need:

Crochet needle size I and some left over yarn.

step 1 : Make your slip knot and chain 21.

Step 2- Start the first puff stitch in the 2nd chain from the needle. Chain 2 and repeat 2 more times so you have 3 puffs. Now repeat steps 1 and 2 , 7 more times.

You will end up with this. ^ Connect the ends and tie off. TA DA!!!!

Here are a few ways to wear your creation.

You can also layer them. They also make great dress up accessories.

Very Romantic...

Items about to expire!!!

The 5 featured items in my etsy store are about to expire!! Check them out before they are gone!! Free hair flower through march !! Link in the side bar for Mj's sweet things>

A challenge or 2....

I want to challenge my self!!! Creatively!! 1st challenge, 4 ideas for things to do with scraps. Fabric, crochet, paper , and felt. My deadline friday the 30Th !!!  2nd  challenge to wear a scarf every day in april!! More details to come on the april challenge!! Lets see if I can do it!!!       

Fun Fabric Bow

BOWS BOWS BOWS I love bows of all colors and sizes!! here is a simple tutoral on how to make some for your collection!!

Supplies: Fabric, scissors or rotary cutter , bias tape or scrap fabric, thread , sewing machine or needle, ruler. Optional: clips, headbands or anything else you want to put your bows on.

Step 1- cut fabric in to rectangle, length will be twice width. Here I have 7" by 14". they can be made any size as long as you follow: length 2x width.

Step 2- Fold fabric so it is facing and you have a strip. Sew down strip leaving 1/2 in seam allowance . Reverse both ends and turn right side out.

Step 3- fold strip in half so seam is showing on outside and sew ends together leaving 1/2 in seam allowance. Turn right side out.

Step 4- Position seam so it is in the middle and their is equal spacing on either side of seam. This is the tricky part to explain.... Fold rectangle in half forward so the seam is showing then fold back si it is hidden almost making an "M". It should look like the pic just above this, so you can not see the seam.

Step 5- This part might be hard to do on the sewing machine because of all the layers of fabric. GO SLOW!! Sew right across middle so your bow stays in the "M" shape. you can then take a scrap piece of fabric or bias tape and sew on right side in then turn so you can not see the seam or excess fabric. You could also take a piece of ribbon and tie around, just to cover the seam, or glue a button on!!

The possibilities are endless!! Bows can be for boys and girls , moms and dads, even pets!!