Large Clothespin Magnets

http://100billionstars.blogspot.com/2011/04/mod-podge-mayhem-fridge-magnets.html

Mod Podge Mayhem - Fridge Magnets

Ready for some Mod Podge Mayhem?  If you pulled together the supplies I mentionedhere, you're set.  If not, here's a reminder of what you need:

1. Fabric Mod Podge
2. Regular Mod Podge 
3. Applicator (sponge or brush)
4. Large wooden clothespins (available at Michael's for $1)
5. Magnet strip
6. Fabric scraps

To get started, get your scraps to manageable sizes.  I consider a manageable size to be approximately one half inch larger than my finished size all the way around the shape.  Apply Fabric Mod Podge and let dry.

Trim your fabric to size.  For this project, I chose to cover the top portion of the clothespin above the indentation where the spring fits.

Use a medium/fine sandpaper or an emery board to rough up the paint.  This will make a better bond.  Apply regular Matte Mod Podge and adhere your fabric.  Let dry.  Apply one or two top coats of Mod Podge, drying between coats.

Now is the time to add your finishing touches.  Glitter glue, Sparkle Mod Podge, buttons, beads, whatever you want.

Cut the magnetic strip and adhere it to the back.  If you purchased adhesive backed magnetic strip, simply peel off the paper backing and press the magnet strip to the back of the clothespin.  And you're done!  Quick and easy.  Just the way I like my Mod Podge.

Fold-up Tote

http://zaaberry.blogspot.com/2011/05/tote-tutorial-totorial.html


These days I've been trying hard to work through my fabric stash, mostly to justify buying more fabric! With the end of the school year coming, I decided to figure out a cute teacher gift that would help with my de-stash goal. Here's what I came up with.
I'm a big proponent of reusable bags. But, you don't always want to whip out your smelly grocery bag when you're at the mall or library. So why not make a cute little tote with some beautiful fabric.

Here's what you'll need:

main body of the bag: 2 fabric pieces 15 x 10 inches
contrasting top of bag: 2 fabric pieces 15 x 6 inches
handles: 2 fabric pieces 4 x 16 inches
6 inches of thin elastic
1 button
Fold your piece of elastic in half and baste at the center of one of the 15 inch sides of the main body fabric. 

Lay a contrasting panel on top of the main panel, sandwiching the elastic in between, and sew a 1/4 seam. Finish seam with either a zig-zag stitch or serge. Do the same for the other main body and contrasting panels.
Press seam allowance towards the upper contrasting panel and top-stitch. 


Since this bag isn't lined, I decided to do french seams on the sides. To do this, lay the front and back panels with WRONG sides together, so right sides facing out, and sew a 1/4 inch seam down each side only.
Turn the bag so that RIGHT sides are facing in and WRONG sides are facing out. Press well. Then sew a 1/2 inch seam down one side, across the bottom and up the other side. It's very important that this seam be wider than the previous seams so that the previous seam will be enclosed. 

Serge or zig-zag to finish the bottom seam and turn bag right side out. Press.

Now set the bag aside and let's work on the straps. First, fold strap in half lengthwise, open the fold up and fold edges again towards the center fold. You should end up with a 1 inch x 16 inch strap. Sew along both edges. 


Now that the straps are ready, take the main body of the bag and serge or zig-zagaround the top. Then fold the top towards the wrong side of the bag 1/2 inch to finish off the top. 

Take each strap and fold the raw edge in about 1/2 inch. Then pin 3 inches in from the edge of the bag.
Sew 2 seams across the top to secure the straps in place. 


Sew your button about 3 inches above the elastic and you're done!
Fold your bag up and throw it in your purse.

50 things to do with Mason Jars

50 Ways to Re-purpose and Reuse Glass Jars {Saturday Inspiration & Ideas}

Whenever I come across an empty glass jar it is so hard for me to toss it in the recycling bin. {I know my craft room looks like {this} but I promise I'm not a pack rat} I just feel compelled to hold onto these versatile treasures - no matter what shape or size. {and yes I have bought the x-large jar of pickles a few times just so I could keep the cool jar}

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/05/50-ways-to-re-purpose-and-reuse-glass.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnderTheTableAndDreaming+%28Under+The+Table+and+Dreaming%29

This weeks Saturday Inspiration post is packed with 50 different ways to reuse and re-purpose glass jars - I'm pretty sure that alone justifies keeping my hands on any jar that may come my way.

If you follow along on facebook I shared a couple of these ideas I wanted to try a few weeks ago. Are you anempty jar collector?


Vacation Memory Jars
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Glass Jar Photo Frames
{Source: Photojojo}


Crochet Jar Covers
{Source: Freshly Found} 


Crochet and Doily Jar Covers
{Source: Dottie Angel}


Recycled Jar Terrariums
{Source: Our Big Earth}


Twine Wrapped Jar Vases
{Source: Vickie Howell}


Fabric Wrapped Jar Vases
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Painted Bottle Vases
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Twig Wrapped Recycled Jar Vase
{Source: Garden Mama}


Color Pencil Wrapped Jar Vase
{Source: Country Living}


Hanging Baby Jar Vases
{Source: Good Housekeeping}


{Source: Pottery Barn}


Mixed Jar Centerpiece
{Source: Martha Stewart via Whole Living}


String Light Illuminating Jars
{Source: Country Living}


Decorative Jar Lids
{Source: Martha Stewart}


See Through Storage
{Source: Whole Living}


Stacked Jar Storage Center
{Source: Homemade Simple}


Chalkboard Label Storage Jars
{Source: Bradens Grace Wall Art}


Painted Storage Jars
{Source: Kootut Murut}


Wall Attached Jar Organizers
{Source: Homemade Simple}


Space Saving Storage Shelf
{Source: Country Living}


Under Shelf Jar Storage
{Source: Homemade Simple}


Baby Food Jar Organizer
{Source: Ehow}


Sewing Kit in a Jar
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Re-purposed Jar Button Storage
{Source: The Quilted Turtle}


Recycled Jar Yarn Holder
{Source: Homemade Simple}


Chalkboard Lid Craft Storage Jars
{Source: Homemade Simple}


Use Jars to Store Paint for Quick Touch Ups
{Source: Real Simple}


Recycled Jar Hardware Holders
{Source: Homemade Simple}


Re-purposed Jar into an Oil Lamp
{Source: Raised in Cotton}


Mason Jar Centerpieces
{Source: Apartment Therapy}


Recycled Jar Candle Holders
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Fabric Covered Baby Jar Votives
{Source: Prudent Baby}


Hanging Mason Jars
{Source: Pottery Barn}


Baby Jar Chandelier
{Source: HGTV}


Jam Jar Candle Chandelier
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Hanging Lanterns
{Source: Disney Family Fun}


Mod Podge and Food Coloring Painted Jar Lanterns
{Source: Gingerbread Snowflakes}


Make Your Own Jelly Jar Candles
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Recycled Jar Fish Bowl
{Source: Country Living}


DIY Jar 'Snow Globe'
{Source: Disney Family Fun}


Bug Catching Jar
{Source: Oriental Trading}


Play Goldfish Jar
{Source: Disney Family Fun}


Kids Summer Job Jar
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Recycled Glass Candy Jars
{Source: Reebert}


Etched Glass Storage Jars
{Source: Martha Stewart}


Jar Mugs
{Source: Pottery Barn}

I have used some of my re-purposed jars on the following projects; how about you?

Make Your Own Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub
{Found Here}


Faux Glow in the Dark Firefly Jar
{Found Here}


Lazy Susan Under Cabinet Jar Storage Organizer
{Found Here}