Family Craft Boutique

Every summer, I try to look for a new hobby that will develop my creativity and craftsmanship. One that I really enjoyed most is the punch needle embroidery. It was great that punch needle embroidery patterns are easily available now since punch needle embroidery is gaining popularity once again.  Patterns now can be ironed on and can even be used in other applications other than punch needle embroidery.  There are so many patterns you can choose from so you can create many projects that you can even giveaway as gifts.

You can have your creations framed so they don’t just sit in your box or somewhere in your hobby closet.  Your friends can appreciate the work you have put in.  You can spend hours on end and complete a project very quickly.  If you are more experienced and more confident, you may also design your own patterns.  Then you can even sell your designs and make some profit out of your hobby.

want a simple idea for a beautiful ornament that even the kids can help you with?

What you need:

small round hoop, circle, or other wreath shape (can be wooden, styr

ofoam, etc)

1″ wide ribbon in color of your choice approx 2 yards

assorted buttons- all one color or assorted colors, both look go

od

silicone or tacky glue

Step 1. wrap wreath with ribbon, glue in place, wait until dry to continue

Step 2. glue buttons in random order around the wreath shape

Step 3.  tie a bow from extra ribbon and glue on for decoration and hanger

Step 4. Hang your beautiful ornament on the tree for all to enjoy!

Other ideas:

glue on lavender or other herbs for a sweet smelling ornament you can use all year

costume jewelery, or broken/missing earrings, etc also make a great wreath ornie

Household odds and ends like bottle caps and wine corks that would normally just get thrown away can be used and recycled by making craft projects. Craft projects are a great way for parents and kids to bond while learning new art skills. For younger kids it’s best to start out with a simple activity. One suggestion is to make a pumpkin magnet. This is a timely suggestion since Halloween is right around the corner.

Here’s what you need:

• Bottle Caps
• Orange pipe cleaners
• Green pipe cleaners
• Black seed beads
• An adhesive-backed magnet
• Glue

Directions:
1. Bend the orange pipe cleaner into a zigzag shape and then gather the folded edges together.
2. Stick on side of the folded edges so they catch on the inside of the bottle cap.
3. Stick the other folded edges inside the opposite side of the bottle cap.
4. Fluff the center part of the pipe cleaner to make it look like a rounded pumpkin.
5. Cut a 1-inch piece of the green pipe cleaner and stick it in the top of the pumpkin like a stem.
6. Cut two small leafs out of felt and glue them near the stem.
7. Use black seed beads to form the eyes, nose, and mouth.
8. Stick a small piece of the magnet strip on the back of the pipe cleaner.

items needed:

old springs
3” styrofoam ball
latex white or off white paint (for face)
Red or orange paint for wooden nose plug
black beads for eyes
silicone based glue
wooden screw plug (for nose)
rustoleum textured spray paint (white or ivory)
old sock top
rit dye (for sock if you want)
string or ribbon to tie top of sock
brush, paper towel, water dish etc for painting
pliers to bend top of spring
sticks or pipe cleaners for arms
Fabric strip of your choice for scarf
pom pom for top of hat

Step 1.
Cut the top off of your old sock. If you want to change the color of your sock top, you can use fabric dye to dye it, then hang to dry until ready to use.

Step 2.
Use pliers to bend top of spring until pointing up, if needed, so you can stick the styrofoam ball on top.

Step 3.
Spray spring with textured rustoleum spray paint, let dry. 2 coats may be needed to achieve bumpy effect.

Step 4.
Paint styrofoam ball with latex paint of your choice- several coats if needed. Let dry.

Step 5.
Push dent with the end of handle of paint brush to make place for eyes. Dab a little glue in dent, push in black beads for eyes, let dry.

Step 6.
Paint wooden plug with color of your choice for nose. Make little dent in styrofoam ball for nose. Little dab of glue in dent, apply nose. Let dry.

Step 7.
Put silicone based glue on the tip of spring you bent, and stick the styrofoam ball on. Let dry, may take up to 24 hours.

Step 8.
Tie strip of fabric around base of styrofoam ball for scarf, fringe end if desired.

Step 9.
Bend pipe cleaners and wrap around spring for arms, or glue on sticks.

Step 10.
Roll up bottom of sock top for hat, apply a little glue to hold. Tie top of sock with ribbon or string, to make top of hat. Add pom pom to top of hat if desired.

Now your snowman is all ready for SPRING! : ) You can make these for fun or gifts, or for small amount of sales. If making more than 10 for sale, please email me to get permission.
Please email me with any questions!
Happy Trash to Treasure Tuesday!

Melissa