Category Archives: Free Tutorials

DIY: VW Bug Stencil

Posted in Fabric printing, Free Printables, Free Tutorials, Stuff to make by

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I promised I’d share my VW Bug stencil and directions for painting on fabric using freezer paper. Here they are (click below):

VW Bug Stencil and Instructions

Freezer paper stencils are easy and satisfying–the lazy girl’s way to silkscreen. Freezer paper has a shiny side that irons nicely onto fabric and then peels away easily, leaving a crisp, clean image on your fabric. Freezer paper is available at many grocery stores. Leave a comment if you use this VW Bug stencil and please send a pic–I’d love to see your results.

making the freezer paper stencil
ironing the freezer paper to fabric
painting
punch buggy!

Next, I’ll share the pattern for sewing the VW Bug pillow (complete with groovy pompom trim)!

 

DIY: Quilt block block!

Posted in Free Tutorials, Stuff to make by

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Maybe you are like me–I love traditional quilt blocks but I find an entire quilt of neat geometric blocks just a little too quilty. Well, I found the perfect way to enjoy the pleasing geometry of quilt blocks without committing to an expanse of pinwheels and flying geese. Wooden blocks turn out to be ideally suited to painted quilt blocks. A two-inch wooden cube, a pencil, a ruler, and some craft paint are all you need to satisfy your quilty enthusiasm in a brief hour or so.

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First, I marked the lines of my pattern using a ruler and a regular pencil.

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Then I painted the pattern starting with the main color.

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Then I added the secondary colors. When the paint dried, I used a wax finishing paste to protect the painted surface. I think I applied it a little too liberally. But, I have plans to make a few more blocks so I can perfect my technique. For my next block I going to paint the same pattern on all sides. I am thinking of a navy and cream flying geese block block. Can’t wait!

 

 

DIY: Bunny ornament

Posted in Free Tutorials, Holiday, Sewing, Stuff to make by

IMG_2721Just in time for Easter! This little felt bunny is perfect for your Easter trimmings or a super cute addition to an Easter basket. With minimal supplies and basic sewing skills you can make one, two, or a whole litter of these cuties. A complete pattern with bunny templates is attached to this post. Let me show you how easy these are to make!

Here is what you’ll need: wool felt, embroidery thread, stuffing, and some basic sewing tools.

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First, you transfer the pattern to the felt using a transfer pencil. Draw the transfer outline outside the pattern lines and then cut the bunny just inside the transfer lines. (See below that I did not do this, so my bunny has a slightly pink edge.) Also, make the lines as light as you can. I recommend testing your transfer line on a little scrap of felt. Then, cut out two bunnies and embroider the pattern on each one.

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After you embroider the pattern, just blanket stitch the two bunny pieces together.

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Leave a one-inch gap so you can add your stuffing. Then, close the gap using the same blanket stitch.

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And here is your cute bunny.

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Click the link for the complete instructions with the pattern pieces.

Bunny Ornament Pattern

(The bunny at the top of the post is an alternate version with applique ears instead of embroidery.)

Easy and Fun Valentine to Make with Kids

Posted in Free Tutorials, Holiday, Kids, Paper by

Arrow through the heart? Make that, Number 2 pencil through the heart! Our valentine project this year is totally old school: super simple, low cost, and homemade from stuff we have around the house.

What you need:
Pencils
Washi tape or masking tape in different colors (we used Scotch masking tape from Michael’s)
Construction paper
Scissors
X-acto

Optional: Stamps and stamp pad

Step 1: Cut out hearts from construction paper (about 5 x 5″). Let the kids do this step. Lopsided? Looking more like a liver than a heart? Remember: it’s part of the charm!

Step 2: This is a step for a grown-up. Cut two 1.5″ slits with your X-acto, one in the upper left quadrant of the heart shape, one in the bottom right quadrant.

Step 3: Decorate with stamps, stickers. Go crazy, kids! Bedazzle!

Step 4: Wrap pencils in strips of washi tape. Don’t worry, your valentines will be able to sharpen their washi-covered pencils.

Step 5: Insert pencil through your valentine heart. Now repeat 24 times–fewer, if you’re lucky enough to have lower class sizes at your school. . .

Mr. Bunny’s Matchbox

Posted in Free Printables, Free Tutorials, Kids, Paper, Recycled materials by

Mr. Bunny Matchbox 824

This mini-matchbox home belongs to Mr. Bunny. If you (or your kids) enjoy tiny coloring–great for fine motor skills!–here is a free printable of Mr. Bunny’s burrow. Just color and trim to fit your matchbox. Matchboxes don’t come in standard sizes so you may need to do some fancy cutting and pasting. Happy bunnies & eggs & challah bread!