2009
Camera Strap Cover
I first saw this project here, and knew immediately I wanted to try it. I don’t exactly have a problem with my basic black camera strap, but this seems softer and definitely more stylish.
My only comments related to the project:
First: I would allow an additional .5″ in the width and 1-2″ length for more generous seam allowances (and because my strap was a bit longer than normal, it appears). I’m sure those issues had to do with my lack of sewing expertise, but since I know most of you are in the same boat, I am just passing along the little bit of wisdom.
Second: I wanted to use Fat Quarters from WV Quilt, so my project was measured to include a seam in the middle. I know this isn’t ideal, but those little fat quarters are just so cute, I can’t help myself.
Instructions:
Ok, now for the project. Choose a piece of fabric and cut to 4.5″ wide by 25″ long. (If you’re using fat quarters, you’ll have to cut 4.5″ wide by 13″ long and sew the pieces together at one end).
I chose the paisley for me, and the dots for my friend and fellow photographer, Lillian.
First, fold the short ends over twice, press, and sew across. Then fold the fabric in half (lengthwise) and sew. Be sure not to sew too close to the edge or you’ll end up with gaps. Not that it happened to me.
Trim off any excess from the seam, and press. Turn inside out.
Now for the hard part. Remove your camera strap. Using a rubber band, fold the harder end of the camera strap in half to make the fabric slip over more easily. Slide on. Reattach camera strap.
Project difficult: Easy does it.
Time Required: 20 minutes
2009
Ribbon-Tie Baby Shirt
I’m working on laying out some quilting patterns for a local quilt shop, and every time I go there, all these cute little fat quarters call my name. Now, I’m not a skilled seamstress. I can do basic things – hem pants, sew little bags and things, but anything even moderately complicated wears me out. So I think it’s because I know I can’t get into too much trouble with a little square of fabric, I just can’t help but buy one (or three) when I’m in there.
I found this cute floral patterned fabric and immediately thought it would make the cutest shirt for my baby girl. Here’s what I came up with:
You need:
1 fat quarter for up to 12 months size, 1/2 yard cotton fabric for toddler sizes
Rotary cutter & mat
1 yard double-faced satin ribbon for ties
Cut out two identically shaped/sized panels for the front and back of the shirt. If measuring a wiggling baby doesn’t sound like a challenge you’re up for, go measure a woven shirt in the same size you want to make, and allow an additional inch for seams.
Fold and sew seams on the top and bottom edges, along with the sleeve openings.
Then, reverse sides together, sew the side seams.
Finally, cut four 9″ sections of the ribbon, and sew securely onto each of the four corners of the top of the shirt.
The finished product!
Tabletop Decor
I’ve had these strips of paper left over from trimming I did to our good friends Brittany and Jared’s wedding invitations… a year ago. I kept them in a box planning to get all crafty on them. So a few days ago I got them out and sat them on my round table in my office. I was inspired to try one craft that turned out to be a total flop. So I regrouped and got started last night on this little gem. I’m totally into white-on-white design and papercraft (inspiration often from here). So I set out to use up every scrap of paper from those invitations. If you’re interested, I was using Strathmore Windpower Smooth Bristol Paper
Also, as a confession, I made this piece larger than I would prefer. In my head I wanted it this big, and when it was finished, I realized the ideal size is about 30% smaller. So the instructions I’m giving you are for what I would do if I were making another one – which is exactly the same except smaller.
What on earth will I do with this? That’s a great question. At the size I made mine, it fits perfectly around a medium size housplant, in case you have one in an ugly container. It would also work surrounding a tealight. I could cut a door out and let the kids use it as a miniature playhouse. Or it works as a candy corral. Mmm… that last option sounds like a good idea.
Paper Tabletop Decoration – You will need:
Scissors or paper cutter
24 1″ x 4″ strips of heavy weight (100# or heavier) paper
4 1″ x 2″ strips
Glue
Use your paper cutter or scissors to cut strips. They sould be close to the same size, but they don’t need to be exact. Once cut, overlap six, gluing between the seams. Leave about 1/4″ overlap.
Once you have four sheets of six, cut a straight edge off two of the sheets.
Next, take your four 1″ x 2″ strips and fold in half.
Glue the outsides of the small strips, using them to link all four panels in a row. Arrange them in a checkerboard pattern, alternating between vertical and horizontal stripes. Be sure the cut edges are are along the bottom of the vertical striped panels, and even with the edges of the horizontal panels. This ensures it will sit level on the table. Note: Start by gluing three, and let the panels lay flat until dry. Then stand it up to link the last one in place.
Finally, stand it up and enjoy!
2009
Magazine Paper Pendant
Once after shredding some junk mail, I thought to myself, “what could I do with that paper?” So I grabbed some colorful pieces and went to work on creating a recycled-paper pendant. I made my second one today, and took plenty of pictures so you can DIY. Unless you would rather buy one from my etsy shop. 
You will need:
A metal scrapbook “tag” – or some other sturdy metal form.
Strips of paper.
Mod Podge
Beading Wire – 26 guage
Beads of your choice
Jump Ring
1. Find a magazine page or other paper you want to work with. This is often the hardest part. Either run it through your shredder or cut it into strips by hand.
2. Get out your Mod Podge. As a child, I made collages galore at my grandmother’s house using the stuff. I love it. It’s an all-purpose glue/sealer/finisher great for any number of paper projects.
3. Apply the goop liberally to your metal tag. Then start laying the strips horizontally over the surface of the tag. (Note: You don’t have to lay them horizontally or even all in the same direction. But to get it to look like mine, go with horizontal).
4. Be careful to wrap the strip all the way around the back of the pendant, and cut off any excess.
Note: At this point the back will be a mess. Don’t worry about that – we’ll fix it.
5. Keep applying the strips until the front is covered. Don’t forget to punch a hole through the paper in the top so you can insert the jump ring later.
6. Let the front dry.
7. Cut smaller strips to apply horizontally over the back (don’t wrap around to the front this time). this will cover those jagged edges you end up with.
8. Let the back dry.
9. Insert jump ring for hanging.
10. String beads and do a quick wrap of the wire around the pendant 3-4 times. Secure by twisting or crimping in back.
