Learn. How to Make Matchbook Favor Boxes.

May Day is tomorrow and Nebraskans know how to do it right!  This is the first place I've lived where people celebrate May Day and I love it!  Who doesn't want springtime goodies to show up on their doorstep? 

Last year I made some pixie stick baskets.  They were really cute and fast.  I decided to go with that theme again this year.  Cute and fast.

I have the Stampin' UP matchbox die that is available in the Occasions Mini catalog right now.  A couple of years ago I was making these boxes by hand.  I would work all evening and maybe finish 3 or 4.  With this die, I can finish that many in less than 30 minutes.

Isn't this one of the cutest things you've ever seen?  I totally CASEd this one from this post.   I used the Matchbox die and also the flowers #3 die to make the flower embellishment.  I used a jumbo eyelet, some wide grosgrain ribbon, stamped a little tag, and tied it on with linen thread.  I used some double sided designer paper to make the box. 

There are millions of ways to embellish and use these little boxes.  I was just thinking it would be cute to actually use them as a matchbox.  You could put matches in it and gift it along with a pretty candle.  How's that for a Mother's Day idea? 

I'm not going to show you the step by steps on how to embellish.  I'm just going to show you how to use the die cut machine and how to assemble this particular die. 

This is what the die looks like.  It is long and has one side covered in foam.  That's the working side.  That is where you will place whatever it is that you want to cut out. 

 

 

Now you'll make a sandwich with your clear cutting plates.  From bottom to top you'll have:

1. clear cutting plate
2. die, foam side up
3. item to be cut (paper, fabric, felt, etc)
4. clear cutting plate

You'll place that sandwich into your die cutting machine and roll it through.  Lickety split and you'll have your cut out box.

To assemble your box, you'll need to cut through the corner perforations and score at all of the score lines.  The score lines are placed exactly where you need them when you run the die cut through the machine. 

Use a bone folder to make your creases sharp.  All of the creases go one way except for the tiny scores on each side flaps (see above picture) and on top of the sides.  Those flaps help hold the box together.  If you are making your box out of cardstock, I've found that the friction enough is sufficient to keep the box together.  When using designer papers, you'll want to add some adhesives. 

Apply adhesive to the outermost edge of all sides.  The adhesive goes on the wrong side of the paper.  The you'll fold down the longer sides first.  The corners get folded underneath the smaller sides.  This is where those small flaps will be.  They need to be scored the other way so they can provide support in the corners. 

Score the lid at the lines and use adhesive at one edge to form your cover.  Fill your box with goodies and slide the cover over the top.

Embellish!

For this one I made two lids.  One was out of plain red cardstock and the other out of designer paper.  I used an EK Success edge punch on the sides to make the little extra detail you see in the picture. 

If you're celebrating May Day this year, why not leave some treats in a matchbox you made yourself?

Make. Knit Sweater Vest Pattern.

The sweater vest that I blogged about a few days ago now has a pattern!  Download the PDF file here.

Ravelry download is here.

Robyn at The Craftivist did a great job on the pattern!  It was a quick and easy knit.

April Craft Challenge Winner

I am a pretty competitive person.  I love entering things into the county and state fair and more than that, I love to win!  Apparently, I come by it honestly.

Were you all following the voting for this month's craft challenge winner?  It started out pretty close.  Then, the Eco Ranch started pulling ahead.  The Message Board stayed within striking distance and then pulled out all the stops today to take the lead in the final hours. 

That winner was my mom, Darla*.  She wins a stamp bundle from Schlosser Designs and a free month of the craft challenge.  She already has a subscription through the end of the year (yes, I make my own mother pay for her own darn craft challenge packet!) so she told me she is going to have a giveaway at her work for the extra packet by putting the names of all the ladies that voted for her in a hat. 

Want to know who else won a free month of the challenge?  I pick one person from all those that blog about the challenge.  This month I knew I had to choose Korinne.  She blogged about the challenge no less than 4 times!  Quantity of blog posts won't always be a reason for someone to win in the future.  It was just her dedication this past month couldn't be ignored!  Congrats!

Next month the participants are competing for a prize package courtesy of the Lincoln Handmade Etsy Team.  Some of the etsy shops contributing prizes include:

• Chimera Crochet
• Bella's Sweet Boutique
• Crafterella
• Refibered
• Purses By Ashley
• Lynette Fast

*I did nothing to alter the outcome of this competition. 

April Craft Challenge Final

These four finalists are competing for a super prize pack stamp bundle from Schlosser Designs (over $60 value), a free month of the craft challenge ($5 value), and all the glory that comes along with being the winner (priceless)!

You have until the end of the day TODAY to purchase your craft challenge packet for next month. To find out more about the craft challenge, you can read this FAQ page.

Voting for this challenge will close sometime around 6pm Central on April 28th. Good luck!

Make. Knit Sweater Vest

I have some pretty cute kids (probably because my personal genes were not involved in their creation).  My daughter is at home with me all day so she is the one that has featured prominently around here but I have a son as well.  He is a talented pianist and happens to have autism.  April is Autism Awareness Month and even though the month is almost over, I'd encourage you to take the time to learn a little more about it and share the information with your kids.  

Now, on to the pattern details!  This was a test knit for the Craftivist.  I guess I can't give you all the details until she has the pattern ready to go!  But, when it is ready I'll let you know.  It was well written, easy to follow, and a pretty quick knit.  I used Naturally Hand Knit Tussock 10 ply Aran.  I bought this yarn when my son was a baby and I was first learning how to knit.  It was actually my very first "stash".  I originally meant for it to be a Harry Potter sweater for my youngest brother (who is now 12).  Instead it stayed in my stash waiting for the perfect project.  This was it.

Here you can get a better idea of the actual color.  It has flecks of green and navy in it.  It isn't the softest yarn around but since it is a sweater vest, it won't be touching skin. 

The vest is knit in the round so there is minimal finishing at the end.  No seams!  There is an easy 1 X 1 ribbing detail along the bottom, arms, and neck.  The rest is done in stockinette but since it is knit in the round, there is minimal purling.

He was very proud of his new hand knit and all day last Sunday at church he was announcing to everyone that his mom made his vest.  Isn't this the reason why we make things for our kids?  So sweet.

If you don't know how to knit and would like to learn, why not check out my Knitting School series?

Stuff I like. Recycled Items

For the past few weeks I've been featuring an etsy mini of some of my favorites. It has been so much fun discovering new items that I'm going to make it a regular feature on Saturday. If you make any items you think I'd like, let me know about them! They might just make it into one of my features.

This week I was inspired by Earth Day. These items are either made from eco-friendly materials, are recycled (or "upcycled"), or are items that help us live a little "greener". Enjoy!

This etsy mini has been replaced with a screen shot.

Craft Challenge Info and a Feature

We had no additional entries for the semi-finals so I'm taking the top four from our first semi-final and will include them in the final voting to start on Monday, April 26th.  It will be a showdown to see who will be crowned this month's craft challenge winner and receive the great prize provided by Schlosser Designs. 

I was so impressed by the creativity this month.  There were so many unique ideas.  I'm sure it will be hard for people to choose a winner.  Here are the top four finalists:

I also want to give you a heads up about an article about me over at Maternal Spark.  I'm the featured Creative Mom this week.  Go and check it out!

Craft Challenge FAIL

Craft Challenge Voting

I thought I was going to make something super clever and awesome this month for the craft challenge.  I got an idea to make a little magnetic fishing pole with some little felt fish.  We have a cheap plastic version of this toy and I thought I could make something cuter.  I was wrong.

While the idea may have been a good one, the execution was a disaster.  It is ugly and it doesn't even work!  

REMINDER:  If you haven't turned in your craft challenge pictures to me yet, please do so ASAP.  The next round of voting will start around 10pm tonight.  If I don't get any more entries, I'll choose the top vote getters from the first semi-final round and move them on to the final on April 26th. 

Have no idea what all this craft challenge talk is about?  Read the FAQ. 

Want to participate next month?  Buy your packet here.  The deadline for May is April 27th and there are options for 1, 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions. 

Want to sponsor a prize or some supplies?  Read more about that here. 

April Craft Challenge Semi Final

I sent out 40 craft challenge packets and as of right now, these are the only ones that have submitted their pictures. If I do get several more entries by the time I set up the next semi-final round, we'll be good to go. HOWEVER, as a time penalty, I'll only be moving on the top two vote getters in that group. I hope that makes sense. Basically, if you haven't finished your challenge or turned it in to me via email or flickr group, you have a bit of an extention. I will be posting the next semi final round on April 24th at around 10pm.

Here are the entries ready for your vote. Voting closes on April 24th at 5pm Central. Spread the word and good luck!

Make. Customized Tote Bags with ECOBAGS

Straight out of the embroidery hoop (sorry I didn't iron it before taking the photos), I bring you an embroidered tote bag.  This was a lot of fun to make and it reminded me just how much I love to do embroidery.  It isn't the quickest way to embellish an item, but the look can't be duplicated by any other means. 

For this project I used an ECOBAG.  This one is a cotton/hemp blend.  The fabric is sturdy but lightweight enough that it seemed like the perfect canvas for embroidery.  I found a pattern I thought would look cool and kitschy on the bag and went to work! 

ECOBAGS provided me with these samples to try out.  The bags I received use organic cotton but they also carry bags out of recycled cotton and hemp/cotton blends.  I thought it only fitting that try to finish this project in time for Earth Day.  In fact, this company has been around for a long time, launching their bags on Earth Day in 1990.  The bags are affordable and can be around $5-$8.  They offer discounts if you buy in bulk and there are wholesale opportunities as well.

My new favorite tote is the shopping tote.  It is so large and sturdy!  I decided to applique on it.  I applied some Heat n Bond to the red fabric, cut out the word "books", and ironed on each letter.  This is my new library bag.  I'd like to try to keep all of my library books in this bag so I don't have to go hunting for them every time we want to return them.  Maybe this bag will end up *saving* me money from all those overdue fees! 

Make. Crochet Mollie Flowers Pattern.

There are a million other things I should be doing, but instead I think I'll be making a gazillion of these Mollie Flowers.

image from Roman Sock

Craft Night with the Lincoln Handmade Team

I'm a member of our local etsy team, Lincoln Handmade.  Last night we all got together at my house for a craft night.  We spent most of the evening using the Big Kick, eating, and chatting.   You can read more about it at the Lincoln Handmade blog.  

The Big Kick was the hit of the evening.  I bought mine on sale a couple of months ago at Joann. It is a die cutting machine.  It is great to use with paper, fabric, chipboard, felt, and whatever else you can run through it.   You can make appliques like a dream!  TIP: add your heat n bond to the fabric BEFORE you run it through the machine.  Then you have a ready to iron on shape!

The dies can be purchased at craft stores.  I have a few that are exclusive to Stampin' UP that match their stamp sets.  The dies can get a little expensive.  Most run around $15.  Make sure to use your craft store coupons!  Alphabet and other specialty dies can cost over $100.  We were talking about maybe charging dues for our team and investing in some of these more expensive tools for the good of the group.

This is actually a pretty good price for the Big Kick if you're interested.  Do you have one already?  What are some of your favorite dies?

Flat Trisha Plays America's Next Top Blogger

Looks like I was a few minutes too late to win, but can I have bonus points for having Flat Trisha with me?  This was at my local CVS pharmacy.

See what all the fuss is about at MomDot.com.

April Craft Challenge Deadline

image courtesy of Spool {} via flickr

Can you believe that it is almost time to have your April craft challenge completed?  Have you even started?  If you haven't, don't worry.  You still have a few more days.  The deadline is Wednesday, April 22nd.   Email the picture you'd like to include for voting or you can go ahead and upload it to the Flickr group.  If you blog about the challenge, email me the link and you'll be included in the drawing for the free month. 

The winner this month will win a great stamping bundle (value over $60!) from Schlosser Designs.  I'm also pleased to announce that the sponsor for next month's challenge will be the Lincoln Handmade Etsy Team.  I'm a part of this great local group and they are getting together a bundle of their handmade products for a mega-awesome basket for the winner.  You won't want to miss out!  May craft challenge packets will be available for sale until April 27th.  This is a little earlier than normal.  I need to do this so I can be sure to get all of the packets ready to mail by May 1st. 

Did you know I have 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions available?  Have a crafty mom?  What a great Mother's Day gift!  Are you a crafty mom?  Send your husband/kids the link.  I know this is kind of sounding like an infomercial and I might be a bit biased, but I think they make a great gift for yourself or someone else.  You will always be able to purchase them month by month, but if you purchase a subscription, you get a bit of a discount. 

Have no idea what I'm talking about?  Check out the Craft Challenge FAQs. 

Stuff I Like. Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I'm in Kansas City today taking my kids to see the Wizard of Oz exhibit at the Crown Center. Here are some favorites from Etsy inspired by the Wizard of Oz.

This is now a screen shot of the original etsy mini I had published.  One of the items sold before I had a chance to print the screen so the bottom right hand corner item is not original to this post. 

Learn. How to Make a Fabric Covered Button

I've got a video tutorial for you today.  It features my daughter dressed like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.  She loves Dorothy so I thought I'd use this button kit I've had for a while and make her some fabric covered button ponytails.  So easy!  So quick!  So cheap!  Enjoy.

Learn. How to Make a Shaped Burp Cloth.

Burp cloths come in all shapes and sizes and there is really no telling which kind someone will prefer. For my son, I'd take anything absorbent. My daughter wasn't such a prolific drooler so I preferred something a little more sleek.

I attended a baby shower last night for a friend and I decided to make a couple of fancy burp cloths. These are made from a brightly colored flannel and some pink minky fabric. The minky is so soft that is feels just luxurious. However, it is super easy to care for which is a MUST for any burp cloth.

Supplies to make 1 (you'll want to make multiples so take that into consideration):

Flannel  10" x 20"

Minky  10" X 20"

Thread

Sewing Machine

Cut your fabric into 10" X 20" strips. Place one layer of flannel and one layer of minky on top of each other and fold in half. It should know measure 10" X 10".

You'll want to place the fold towards you and cut out the sections where it will fit over your shoulder. I cut approximately 1 1/2" off of each side starting at the fold and then curving outwards toward each side. You'll be able to see in the next picture the kind of shape I cut out.

Remember, this doesn't have to be precise. It is a baby burp cloth, after all. You'll want each side to match as much as possible but I just eyeballed it.

Next you need to place your fabrics right sides together and pin them in place. Stitch around the edges and be sure to leave a 2 inch opening on one side.

After you stitch, trim the seams with scissors or pinking shears. Then, you'll pull the right side of the fabric through the 2 inch opening.

Poke everything through and make sure your corners are all the way pushed out. Now you'll want to top stitch all the way around being careful to stitch over the opening. You can see an example of my top stitching in the very first picture.

I made two of these and rolled them up in a ribbon. This was a gift for a second child so I included a few of my felt flower ponytail holders for the big sister. Burp cloths make great gifts for any new or experienced mother. It's hard to have too many of these things on hand when you have a little baby.

Odd Things

You may notice a few odd things happening around here for the next week.  For example, my unexplained post about the color pink in valley girl speak.  I happen to be competing in a little contest called, America's Next Top Blogger, over at MomDot.  I am a huge fan of reality tv and competitions in general so I thought I would do it.  So, I hope you'll excuse a bit of silliness happening over here.  Coming tomorrow:  a minky burp cloth tutorial.

Like, Seriously.

Can you believe what is going on?  People are totally saying that orange is the new pink.  Like, how can that be?  Pink is pink.  Pink will always be pink.  Let's just talk about some orange things that are totally drab.  Construction signs, road cones, NEON—gag me with a spoon!

There are lots of pink things that are totally awesome.  Strawberry marshmallows, for instance.  Cupcakes.  Pink Lemonade.  COTTON CANDY!  Pink.  Totally rocks. 

Like, I totally understand about brown taking over black as the new black but someone has got to get the memo that orange just isn't going to cut it.  Sure, the fruit is totally rockin' and I love orange juice, but I don't want to *wear* it. 

I hereby declare that if you are awesome and love pink, you should totally get with the program and leave me a comment  Let's show all those frumpy faces that orange is not the way to happiness.  Pink is most rad color of them all.

Please join me in my quest to pinkify and fluffify blogland.  It is the only way for utter happiness.  I'm going to be doing it while listening to my walkman with Erasure and Cyndi Lauper. 

What?  You don't remember Erasure?  I might need to put some two-torials here on this blog so you'll get with the program.

THINK PINK!

Choosing a Summer Knitting Project

 

I've got 11 balls of the Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy taunting me from my yarn closet.  I bought it on a trip to Pennsylvania a couple of years ago and I'm ready to knit it up into a summer tee for me. 

I'm the kind of knitter that picks yarn first and then the project.  I don't always do this but more often than not, this is the case.  This yarn was purchased to make another pattern but now I think a different pattern is calling to me.

This is the Slinky Ribs Pullover from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard.  It actually calls for an Elsebeth Lavold yarn (Silky Wool).  This hempathy should be a good substitute.  I really want to buy this book.  It has all sorts of great top down patterns and most are sized up to 3X so I can cover even my most ample bosom.  When I checked out some of the other projects on Ravelry (if you knit or crochet and aren't signed up--DO IT NOW!), I noticed that these look really great on a bunch of different body types and the pattern is written so you can alter the sleeves to any length you would like. 

My knitting has started to fall by the wayside.  I am definitely in need of a new project like this to motivate me to pick up the sticks again. 

Do you have any projects you're planning for the warmer weather?

Meet our Sponsors

In order for me to keep the price of the craft challenge packets as low as they are, I am now accepting advertising on this site.  Ads will be in my right sidebar and I will only accept ads that I think will appeal to my readers.  I hope you will take the time to check them out. 

The top spots are reserved for craft challenge sponsors.  The rest are available for purchase for a month or longer.  If you are interested in purchasing ad space on christynelson.net, please contact me via this form or email me directly. 

Make. Leftover Easter Candy Treats

This year I didn't do Easter baskets for the kids.  I took them to an Easter egg hunt yesterday and the limit was 12 eggs per kid.  This was plenty of candy for the kids and they don't mind.  We don't really make a big deal about the Easter bunny around here. 

I prefer the week after Easter.  You can go and stock up on some of your favorite Easter time candies at a discount.  These Whopper mini robin eggs are some of my favorites.   If I find them on sale, I snatch them up.  However, after a while I get sick of them and I began to think of other ways to use them.  This is my favorite idea.  I prefer to do this recipe with the chocolate flavored robin eggs.

Whopper Mini Robin Eggs Malted Milkshake

handful of Whopper Mini Robin Eggs

Vanilla ice cream, 2-3 scoops

Milk, until your favorite consistency

Stick it all in a blender and blend it until it is the consistency you like it.  Sometimes I chop up some extra robin eggs to make it like a candied shake.  Or, you can garnish the top with the whopper eggs, as well. 

If you like malted milkshakes, you can't go wrong here. 

Peeps

Do you have any leftover Peeps?  How about dipped Peeps or chocolate fondue?

WHORANGE posted a lovely recipe for chocolate fondue after Easter last year. 

Or, why not try Peep smores?  I like putting a Peep in my hot chocolate. 

Who says you have to eat Peeps?  Why not craft with them?   Or not. 

Do you have any favorite leftover Easter candy treats that you make? 

Birthday Wishes

It's my birthday today. To celebrate, I thought I'd share some of my favorites from Etsy. These are all related to birthdays and/or wishes. I'm planning on having a most excellent day. I hope you all do as well!

The Etsy Mini I had posted here has since expired so here is a screen shot of my picks.

More Craft Room Storage Ideas

Remember the Q & A post I did about formula cans?  I've got another idea for you.  I used the same technique as before to cover my cans and then we attached them to the wall.  Now I have some little cubbies on the wall next to my sewing machine where I can put notions or snacks.  

I must admit that I did none of the work on these formula cans.  I have staff for that (ha ha)!  I had a helper come over and she did a few tasks for me.  I've never felt so much like Martha Stewart.  She did a great job!   She's also helped me pack up craft challenge packets a few months ago.

 

This next storage idea comes from the people at Univenture.  I was sent some UniKeep binders to try out.    This was another one of those products that my husband wants to steal.  They have so many great applications—not just related to crafting.   I was sent a couple of them and I found so many great uses for them.  This one I used to keep track of my die cut alphabet letters.  Before I had them in one page protector and searching for the right letter was quite the task. 

I like the way this binder lays flat and is able to be closed all the way.  My kids can drop it or turn it upside down and they don't go flying everywhere. 

They are made of 100% recyclable material and are water resistant.  They also come in a variety of sizes and colors.

I already have big plans for one of the other ones I received.  It is going to be for an embroidery project.  I can have my floss, needles, pattern, hoop, etc… all inside one of the binders ready to go!  I can toss it into a bag or just have it sitting next to my favorite chair ready for a quiet evening of crafting. 

I wasn't creative enough to decorate the outside but there are sleeves that you can place paper inside so you can label them and personalize them however you see fit.

They cost not much more than a standard binder, but the convenience of having them close and stack flat are worth the extra money, in my opinion.  Maybe I'll buy some in bulk and my husband can get his office organized as well!  While you're there, check out some of there other great organizational products.

Learn. How to Make a Fabric Belt

This is one of my favorite projects!  I decided I needed a new belt and I made one.  This is one of those projects that doesn't take a lot of supplies but is so useful! 

I used the fabric to match the fat quarter handbag I made for myself. 

Supplies: 

Fabric (see measurement information below)

D-Rings  1 1/2" are what I used but if you prefer a wider belt, you can go larger.

Fusible Fleece or Interfacing

To make your own fabric belt, you'll need to make just a few measurements.  First, measure your waist.  For a belt, you'll want to add 8 inches to that measurement. I wanted my belt to fit inside 1 1/2" d-rings so I cut the width to 4 inches.  

You may need to piece some fabric together to get your length.  Make sure you add in seam allowances to the length if you do this. 

Cut your interfacing and apply it to the wrong side of the fabric.  I cut mine a little smaller in the width so I could fold over the fabric with a little more ease.  The interfacing is really just to give it a little bit of bulk. 

The next thing you'll do is fold over the fabric about 1/2" along the length of the fabric and iron it down.  You'll then go along the length of the belt and fold it in half.  Iron that as well.  You should end up with something that looks a lot like this. 

Now it is time to sew.  All of the sewing is top stitching so you'll want to make sure your thread coordinates and you sew straight.  Go down the length of the belt and when you get to the ends, fold in the raw edges so you have a finished edge. 

 

Now it is time to add the d-rings.  You'll want to fold one end of the fabric through two d-rings.  You'll really only need to pull through an inch or so.  Stitch through all the layers.  Do this a couple of times to make it stronger. 

 

Now you're ready to wear your belt!  That is all it takes.  There are so many possibilities with this tutorial. Why not try a patchwork belt?  This is such a quick project that you can make a belt to match every outfit. 

 

I'm sure you're going to want to try this project.  Make sure you share your finished projects at the flickr group. 

Stuff I Like. Mohop Shoes

We got a little bit of snow here in Nebraska over the weekend but all I've got is Spring Fever on the brain!  Today I'm featuring something that I really like.  Mohop Shoes.   They are beautiful, hand crafted, customizable, eco friendly, and fun! 

These shoes are so unique.  You pick out which kind of sandal base you like, and Annie will make it for you.  There are elastic loops on the side so you can create your own look by using various ribbons, fabric, yarn, beads or whatever else you can think of to tie them on!  The crafty side of me really digs this.  You can have a different pair of shoes every day!    There is a gallery where you can find all sorts of new ways to tie and wear your sandals. 

Annie Mohaupt, the woman behind it all, shares some behind the scenes info on the Mohop blog.   You can see the workshop and the new machines she uses to make the shoes.  It takes about four days to finish one pair.  Annie mentioned this includes a lot of drying time so it really only takes a few hours over those days to complete a pair from start to finish.  

I'm always inspired when I see artists and crafters take what they love and pursue it as a business.  I couldn't end this post without including this quote from Annie.  She said, "I feel like crafting is about creating connections between the person who made the object and the person who receives the object.  That is what sets craft apart from all the other everyday manufactured objects that surround us, and what makes a handcrafted item so special." 

Indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

all photos courtesy of Mohop.com