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

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