Leather Scripture Covers

Okay, so it's not real leather.

It's a vinyl remnant that I got for $3.00 at my local Hancock.

But-- it looks like leather, it wears like leather, and it feels like leather.

And it's going to keep the original leather binding from falling apart anymore.

Want to make one too?

Start off by laying the book you want to cover flat on top of your vinyl.  Make sure your spine is flat so you leave enough room for the book to open and close well.

Cut 5" extra on the left and right sides, plus another 1/2" (for seam allowance), this will be the flaps that you slide your book into.

Leave an extra 3" at the top and bottom for turning under also.

Now, fold in your left and right sides.

Fold in the top and bottom.

This is what it should look like.

Now, take it to the sewing machine and sew the top and bottom down.  Sew as close the the edge as possible, while catching all the layers.

See my seam line?

Now turn it inside out.

It should look like this:

There you go!  You're finished sewing.

Now just slide in the flaps of your book.

one

two

Presto!

The vinyl was really easy to sew, and will not get dirty and dingy like a fabric cover would.  Much better for books that get heavily read.

For those that don't:

Jazz up a Journal!

Nikki

Fabric Christmas Cards

Handmade Holidays!

My favorite way to wish someone a Merry Christmas is to give them something home-made.

Why not try a simple Fabric card?

Just fold some card stock in half, sew some decorative stitches, and glue on some fabric.

How about sewing on 3 simple squares for a more modern look?

Nikki

Bow Tags

Here are some printable tags for your gifts this year.

Click Here to Download or Print them!

Happy Holidays!

Nikki

Make Your Own Notepad

Easy Peasy, and Fast!  Make your own notepad to use for shopping lists, coloring pads for the kids, or give them as gifts.

Start by folding a stack of 8.5" by 11" (regular printer paper) paper in thirds.  Then cut on your folds.

Stack your piles of paper you cut on top of each other.  Then, find some cardboard to give your notepad stability.  I used an old shoebox.  Set your paper on top of your cardboard and cut it just large enough to back your paper.

Line up your stack of paper flush with the top edge of your cardboard

Take it to the sewing machine!  I have tried gluing, special notepad making glue (it's expensive stuff!), and have found that this is my favorite way to bind.  It's simple; just start at the edge and sew a straight line down to the other edge.

Just a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Designate a needle you use only for paper

(Otherwise it's like trying to cut fabric with dull scissors you cut paper with all the time.  It just won't work.  Same goes with your needles.  Don't share 'em.)

2. Use the heaviest weight needle you can get your hands on.  I think I used a denim needle.

3. If your machine isn't handling the thickness of all the layers, just lose some of your paper stack.  Just make 2 notepads!

4. It helps to hand-turn your machine to get it started and make sure you get punched through the back cardboard piece.

Cut off a piece of your favorite scrapbook paper and glue it on to cover your thread and needle holes.  Wrap it around and glue to the back side.

Glue a magnet to the back if you want to hang it to the fridge.  I like to use Aileene's Tacky glue.

Done!  Make your list, write a note, throw it by the phone, or give it to a friend.

Or, hang it on the fridge for later!

Enjoy!

Nikki

Organizing Baskets Kiddo-style

Big baskets are great to have in a kid's room.  They can quickly conceal toys when guests are on their way.  But it's not always functional.  Don't ya hate it when Mr. Potato Head's parts fall down to the bottom, and you dig forever to find his nose?  Or how about the little ponies and Matchbox cars that seem to get lost among the bigger toys in the basket?

The solution?  Get smaller baskets, a shelf and Label them.

Assign Labels for your toys (mine were balls, cars, legos, Mr. Potato head) and head to the computer.  Print off clipart pictures of your Labels so your toddler will know what goes in each basket.  I printed in grayscale so my son could color the pictures.  He loved that he was helping!

Microsoft has a great website for free clipart, here:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx

Next, cut to size and slip them in the pocket protectors.

That's it!  Now fill the baskets with the toys, and stick them on a shelf.  Let your little one help-my son thought this part was a game, no joke!  He loves to point to the pictures and show me where Mr. Potato head belongs.

A nice, organized kids room that kids can help keep organized:

Love it!

Nikki

Mock Lace Bookmark

Want an inexpensive project that's a great "I'm thinking of you" gift?  Great for visiting teaching, or give it along with a copy of your favorite book.

Here's how:

Start by printing your favorite quote, adage, or picture out on regular printer paper.

Next, get your favorite pair of decorative scissors and cut out your quote in a rectangular shape

Then get out acrylic paints and give color to the paper. 

I paint in X motions, with lighter transparent strokes around the text, and deeper colors around the edges. This way you can still see what it says.

Once your paint is dry (it should be almost immediately), get a piece of cardstock or construction paper.  Take it to the sewing machine and sew a straight stitch all the way around the edge of your bookmark, leaving about 1/8" border.  This will create your "lace."

Then just get a pair of straight edge scissors and cut a straight line around the edges of your bookmark.  Take your fingers and curl up each bend of the decorative paper to give it dimension.  Hole punch the top and tie on some string or ribbon.

Want to make the same one I did?  Click on the image below.  Then right click and select "save image as."  Name it, print it, and make and share a bookmark!

Enjoy!

Nikki

Raggy Bear

He's 10" tall and 6.5" fat and he's here!  Take a look, or get him in my etsy shop, here.