Beaded jewelry set

I created this turquoise jewelry set for a Christmas gift.  I got the idea for the bracelet from a tutorial on thedesperatecraftwives.blogspot.com.  Using memory wire and beads you can create beautiful and unique jewelry.  In the tutorial they used 6 beaded loops and braided them.  I decided to use 3 beaded loops and was happy with the result as well.  The earrings are made using a headpin and seed beads.

Polka dot bag and clutch

A purse and a clutch from the book, "modern bags".  I made this bag and clutch as a Christmas gift.  The flower was easy to make and along with the leather cording, made the bag unique.  This book is full of great bag patterns and is a great investment....I haven't made one from the book that I didn't like yet.

Mario time!

My oldest son celebrated his 4th birthday a few weeks ago and loved his mario themed birthday party.  I crocheted him a mario star and mushroom as a gift.  There are many mario crochet patterns free on the internet but most are more advanced so I decided to tackle the simpler designs.  My husband found a tutorial for a question mark pinata at joyfulwhimsey.wordpress.com.  It was time consuming but unique and fun for the kids to use at the party.  I made a mario hat for the birthday boy and everyone got a chance to wear it when it was their turn to punch the pinata.  Finally,  the mario cupcake cake...I wanted something different than a sheet cake and found this idea at cuteasafox.com. It took some time to create but we were happy with the results!

Jewelry organzier and dangle earrings

This gift was made for my mother-in-law's birthday.  The jewelry organizer was made from a pattern from the book, "One Yard Wonders".  The only change I made was adding a ring holder instead of the ribbon for earrings as suggested.  There are two zipper pockets for storage and the entire organizer rolls up into a compact travel case.  The earrings are simple to make using your beads of choice and some headpins.

Button magnets

A quick project with a practical result...button magnets.  These are incredibly easy to make with just a few supplies.  Simply purchase self cover buttons and round magnets to fit the back.  After covering the buttons with scrap material you have  in your scrap pile either cut off or flatten the metal loop on the back.  Attach the magnet to the back with hot glue and you have some great magnets to start putting to use right away~

Clutches

I recently received a new sewing book entitled, "Bags, the modern classics" by Sue Kim.  I stitched up these two clutches using the patterns from this book.  I am in love with the patterns in this book.  The styles, as stated, are modern...but also unique and easy to create.  I used home decor fabric in both clutches to provide the most stability.  If you enjoy sewing bags for yourself or as gifts this book is a great investment.

Happy 1st birthday!

My little guy recently celebrated his first birthday and I wanted to make the day really special so I searched the web for ideas and party planning tips.  I found a great tutorial for a mini coloring tote at lbg-studio.com.  I also came across the idea to fill a fun plastic cup with treats and curly straws.  Since I was using primary colors in my party theme I used these crayola cups and stuffed them with the crayon tote, rainbow twizzlers, curly straws, and some glow sticks.  I also used some to create a candy bar where the older kids could grab a colored bag and fill it with candy.  Both ideas are easy to create and tailor to fit your party and guests. 

Fall housewarming gifts

Our friends recently bought their first home and with it being the fall season I decided to create a fall housewarming gift.  I bought some festive fall fabric to make a pleated ruffle apron and some potholders.  I also found a simple pumpkin coaster pattern at crochetbymonet.blogspot.com and made a set of these unique coasters. 

Simple beaded earrings

About a year ago, a coworker gave me a handmade beaded bracelet that I love.  It is beautiful and unique.  So after all that time of admiring her work I decided to try some simple jewelry making for myself.  I decided to start with earrings and hope to expand my skills from there.  These are very simple designs using beads and a headpin.  This is a very rewarding and affordable project for anyone to try.  Check back for jewelry tutorials to come!

Wedding quilt and plaque

My sister-in-law was married this August.  As part of the couple's wedding gift I wanted them to have something special they could keep throughout their marriage.  I decided to make this quilt incorporating a color that the bride loves...green!  From there I decided to find earth tone colors that consisted of natural looking prints.  One of the fabrics I found for this quilt was created to look like tree bark which was perfect for the natural feel of this quilt.  The tutorial for this quilt can be found at modabakeshop.com and it is titled the happy weekender quilt.  I appliqued their initials at the bottom of the quilt to personalize it further.  My cricut came in handy once again!  The wooden plaque pictured with the quilt was made by my dad.  I don't know much about woodworking but thought the plaque complimented the quilt perfectly.  To see more of my dad's work you can visit his blog at cwhatisaw.blogspot.com. 

Bridesmaid gifts

My sister-in-law so thoughtfully asked me to make bridesmaid gifts for her wedding and I happily agreed! The pattern for this phoebe bag yields one very functional purse.  There is an interior pocket and and a magnetic flap closure.  It is the perfect size for everyday use and I have found myself making more and more of these for countless reasons.  The free pattern can be found at artsycraftybabe.typepad.com...just look for the "phoebe bag tutorial".  As with most projects you always seem to have scraps of fabric left over so I decided to accessorize the purses with a tissue cozy and these change wallets.  The tutorial for the wallets can be found at thimbleanna.com.  Though hard to see all the details there is a vinyl pocket for your id to be carried and an elastic pocket on the back.  The zipper opens to a large main pocket to carry any goodies you want.  Lastly, there is a metal clasp so the entire wallet can be attached to your keys.  Two great tutorials which yield a cute purse and wallet set.

Nursing cover

I made this nursing cover for a friend and mom-to-be!  Having always bottle-fed my boys I was surprised to discover how much these nursing covers cost.  I found one from a maternity store for $35. I am proud to say I made this nursing cover for a little over $5...with some smart shopping added in of course.  These would be easy to make for friends or family in a variety of colors.  The tutorial I used makes the nursing cover a bit longer for taller women and includes two d-rings to make an adjustable neck strap.  Between the straps you add a 16" piece of boning to enable mom to see baby while nursing.  The tutorial for this nursing cover can be found at www.sew-much-ado.com.

Cupcake kitchen trio

I always love making projects in matching sets.  I used this cute polka dot material to make a half apron, and some potholders.  The half apron pattern is from the book "one yard wonders".  I kept the ruffle across the waistband and added a cupcake applique. This set was made to go along with my sister-in-law's wedding shower gift...she is great at baking and decorating cakes so I had to add the cupcake. The potholder tutorials can be found at tipnut.com.  I made the complete set using 1 1/8 yards of fabric.

Mug rug and coffee cozy

I made this duo for my sister.  The tutorial for the mug rug can be found at tipnut.com.  This was a great project for using up some material out of my scrap bucket.  Go ahead and use a cardboard coffee cozy as a template for making a matching coffee cozy.

Baby toiletry bag

One of my close friends is having a baby boy!  Going with the baby bath theme for her gift I sewed some accessories to go with the baby bathtub.  This travel toiletry bag is made of oilcloth on the inside for easy cleanup and home decor fabric on the outside for durability.  The tutorial can be found at littlebeanworkshop.blogspot.com.  I also made a set of burpcloths, washcloths, and a hooded baby towel in matching colors.  All wrapped up in the tub, they are perfect for baby bath time!

Pleated tote

The tutorial for this pleated tote can be found at www.artsycraftybabe.typepad.com.  She offers two free purse/tote patterns on her site.  I made this tote for my sister-in-law because what girl doesn't need another cute tote bag.  I added a key fob (can't make a tote without this now!) and an interior pocket.  It is the perfect size for everyday use.  I used a duck cloth type material so the tote was sturdy without any interfacing.  Paired with a matching wallet this would make a perfect gift for any occasion.   

Diaper bag accessories

I whipped up a few accessories to go along with the diaper bag I made.  I like having a name/address tag for my diaper bag and found this great tutorial at susiesgarden.blogspot.com.  It is a tutorial for a luggage tag but works great for this purpose as well.  She provides the pattern and a printout of the label for you to write your name/address on.  It was simple and quick to make.  I used home decor fabric and heavy interfacing to make it durable and sturdy.  The other accessory that I have been wanting to make since I found the tutorial months ago is this diaper pouch.  The tutorial can be found at noodle-head.com.  Both great accessories to compliment any diaper bag.

Diaper to all-purpose messenger bag

I created this messenger bag with the intent of using it as a diaper bag now and an all purpose bag later after the kiddos are all grown up.  I almost feel guilty keeping this bag for myself...almost.  I am always disappointed at the selection of diaper bags appropriate for baby boys and more disappointed at the price of the few that are actually cute.  So after months of looking and no cute diaper bag to carry I decided to sew one for myself.  I used the tote bag tutorial at kerrimade.blogspot.com to make the bottom portion of the bag.  Then I simply added some metal rings and a long strap to create the messenger style bag.  I also decided to add a key fob and custom cell phone pocket to the interior...hopefully no more digging at the bottom of the bag searching for these items.  And the two outside pockets worked beautifully for carrying baby bottles and should work in the future for water bottles.  I hope you're inspired to make your own one-of-a-kind diaper to all-purpose bag for yourself or a friend.

Buttercup bag

This bag was made from a free pattern available at www.madebyrae.blogspot.com.  It is secured with a magnetic snap and has one interior pocket.  The finished purse is a bit small but still great for a quick trip out.  I loved this pattern for the simple fact that I could make an entire purse using fabric from my scrap bucket.  You don't have to have alot of fabric on hand to whip up this cute little purse.

Hanging BBQ hand towel

A simple hanging hand towel for clean-ups while using the BBQ.  It is secured with a piece of velcro and a loop of heavyweight fabric.  I find it difficult to think of sewn gifts that are appropriate for men, but a set of these would be great for any man who likes to BBQ.

Character tote and accessories

My friend recently visited and picked out this fabric for me to make a tote bag for her sister.  I made a tote with a divided, quilted pocket on the front as well as an interior pocket.  I had quite a bit of material left over and wanted to make some accessories to go with the bag.  I always make a matching tissue cozy and then I came across a wallet tutorial at darnkat.wordpress.com  The tutorial at this site is very easy to follow and makes a very functional and durable wallet for everyday use.  I decided to add an elastic and button for the closure instead of a snap but either will work.  The wallet has plenty of credit card slots and two dollar bill sections.  This is by far the best wallet tutorial I have stumbled upon yet and I will be making some more for sure! 

Garden apron

At blueprintcrafts.com you can find the tutorial for this garden apron.  I made use of some home decor weight scrap fabric I had to craft this outdoor accessory.  The apron has three pockets for stowing seed packets, gloves or gardening tools.  There is also a fabric hook to hold a garden rake or shears.  Lastly, a plastic swivel hook handy to hook your keys on while working in the garden.  A cute ensemble for any gardening enthusiast.

Post office bag

If you visit elsiemarley.com be sure to try this easy tutorial.  I used a home decor weight fabric and medium weight interfacing to craft this handy little tote.  I liked the instructions she gave on how to create some heavy duty handles that should stand the test of time.  The handles and bottom of the bag are reinforced by sewing co eccentric rectangles.  I think this is a great post office tote or could be very functional for carrying firewood or vegetables from the garden. 

Not ugly car trash bags

Using instructions from a book called One yard wonders, I created these two not ugly car trash bags as they're called.  I altered the finished product slightly for cost effectiveness.  The original instructions call for a parachute buckle to be used around the straps.  At around $4 a buckle I decided to substitute Velcro instead.  After finding the home decor fabric on sale at hobby lobby the flowery bag cost a total of $3 to create.  I wasn't as lucky with the other, but since I wanted it to appear more masculine I didn't have as many fabric options.  The striped one still only rang in at $5.  And I'll share a secret with anyone wanting to make these...if you cut the fabric carefully each bag really only takes 1/2 yard of fabric with a bit to spare!

Ipad case

My sister-in-law asked me to make a case for her new ipad.  I decided to make a front patchwork pocket for the ipad charger to be stored and a small interior pocket for small gadgets.  The pocket and the interior was lined with tan flannel to protect the ipad screen.  A magnetic snap and cloth tab secures the ipad in the case.  Finally, a handle made of cotton webbing, quilters cotton, and a metal d-ring finishes the ipad case.  The dimensions of this case could easily be changed to create a cell-phone or kindle case as well.

Charm pack tote bag and zipper pouch

This tote bag was made using 16 charm squares and 1 yard of coordinating fabric.  The tutorial can be found at mypatchwork.wordpress.com.  I created the pouch by making two patchwork panels with the leftover charm squares and a 7 inch zipper.  This was a gift for my mother-in-law for mother's day but would make a great gift for any friend or family member.

Gathered clutch

After making this bag I wanted to find a clutch wallet with some gathering detail to match.  The tutorial for this gathered clutch can be found at noodle-head.com.  This cute set was made for my mom for Mother's day.  A great tote bag and clutch for any occasion.