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How to Make a Flower Out of Fabric

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Jul 222010

A T-Shirt Flower Pillow

These days everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly– even when it comes to giving gifts. This simple project is definitely green, but it’s also easy. We’ll show you how to turn an old t-shirt or leftover fabric scraps into a cute flower with just a few simple steps. All you need is an old t-shirt, a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, and a few minutes.

Use the flower to create a barrette, pin or attach it to a drab pillow for a unique creation. Whatever you choose to design, you’ll end up with a great, affordable handmade gift that any of your loved ones will appreciate– especially since they won’t be able to find another one like it in any store.

Step One

Step One: Cut out simple flower shapes of various sizes in an old t-shirt. Depending on whether you plan to use your flower to jazz up a pillow or to create a hair clip, your flower sizes will need to be adjusted. Create four different sizes. You will only need one flower in the largest size. Cut our four of each of the other three sizes. In all, you should have 13 flowers cut out.

Step Two: Lay the biggest flower on a flat surface. Take the next smallest size of flower and fold each one in half. Then fold them in half again. Position the four flowers so that the points meet in the

Steps two, three and four

center of the largest flower. Using a coordinating thread, simply hand stitch each section at the point, attaching these four pieces of fabric to the largest flower.

Step Three: Repeat step two with four more folded flowers in the next smallest size.

Step Four: Once again, repeat the stitching process one last time with the smallest flowers.

Step Five: How you finish your flower is up to you. You can stitch on a pin or barrette to the back, or you can attach it to a pillow like this one. Whatever you decide to create, it will be a low-cost, green gift that someone is sure to love.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Suarez

How to Make Gift Giving More Green

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Apr 082010

Go Green with Your Gift-Giving (photo courtesy of bindarri)

Earth Day is coming up which means many of us are thinking about how to be more eco-friendly and reduce our carbon footprint. You may think going green requires big, bold steps like installing solar panels on your roof or trading in your car for a bike. But there are so many small, simple ways you can go green– including with your gift giving! Here are ways to make your gift giving more green.

Buy Local

Shopping local not only benefits your community’s economy more than shopping in big chains, but it also can be more eco-friendly, especially if you’re buying locally made products. The further a product has to be shipped, the more impact it has on the environment. Look for American-made products or handmade items created by local artists. Chances are these will be more green.

Shop for More

Rather than head out on a shopping trip every time you need a gift, try to buy multiple gifts during the same trip. You’ll save money on gas and you’ll pollute less by limiting your travel time. And while you’re out, make sure you bring along your own shopping bags so you don’t have to use one from the store.

Use Alternative Wrapping

When giving a green gift it’s important to consider the gift wrap. Try recycling and reusing items like newsprint, fabric or gift bags. Wrapping a gift can create a lot of unnecessary waste.

Encourage Green Living

Try to encourage others to live a more green lifestyle through the gifts you give them. Find items like travel coffee mugs, products made from bamboo or solar powered gadgets. Not only will your gift be green, but you’ll be influencing others to make small changes, too.

Consider the Gift

Is your gift made from recycled or sustainable materials? Does your gift include excessive packaging or is it made from any dangerous chemicals? Consider the gift you’re giving and make sure it’s as green as possible. This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day beyond just one day in April.

How to Grow Gifts in Your Backyard

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Apr 012010

Your Backyard Bounty Makes Great Gifts (Photo Courtesy of Technotheory)

Spring is here which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. A great way to spend more time outdoors is by starting a backyard garden. Not only can a garden offer great, organic and fresh food for you and your family, but it can also be a great source of gifts for family and friends this summer. If you’re starting a garden this spring, think about planting vegetables, flowers and herbs that can be used to give great gifts your loved ones will appreciate.

Homemade Salsa

Nothing at the grocery store quite compares with fresh, homemade salsa. Grow the tomatoes fresh in your garden along with the other ingredients you need to give your friends and family members homemade salsa. Check out salsagarden.com for tips on growing your ingredients and canning your salsa.

Fresh or Dried Herbs

Cooking with fresh herbs is the best way to go. Share your backyard bounty with your friends and family members by giving them some herbs. You can either cut fresh herbs and tie stems together with twine, or you can hang your herbs upside down inside and let them dry out. Once they are dry bag them up and give them away.

Flower Bulbs

Flower bulbs make great gifts. If your backyard is full of them pull some out of the ground and package them creatively using a flower pot or other plant container. Include a short list of instructions explaining how to plant and grow the bulbs.

Fresh Cut Flowers

Just about everyone loves getting flowers. If you grow flowers in your backyard this gift will be quick and affordable. Create a bouquet from the blooms in your own backyard. Arrange them in a low cost vase and your gift is ready to go.

Ingredient and Recipe

If you’re great at growing peppers, eggplant, avocado or another vegetable, bag up several of them to give as a gift. Include a recipe where that ingredient is the star. Your loved one will appreciate the thought and care that went into your gift.

How to Make a Feather Boa Wreath for Valentine’s Day

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Feb 042010

Show Your Front Door Some Love for Valentine's Day. photo courtesy of Alison Storm

Need to add a little Valentine’s Day love to your home? This project is easy (we’re talking done-in-less-than-five-minutes-easy) and affordable! The finished product is festive, flirty and fun! It’s perfect for adding spice to your home, or for giving away to someone you love. Here are the simple instructions from making a feather boa wreath just in time for February 14th.

Gather Supplies

For this project you will need just a few key supplies. Pick up a foam wreath form at a craft store. You can pick them up for just a few dollars at CreateforLess.com. They even have heart-shaped foam forms which would be perfect for this project. You will also need about four feather boas. For our feather boa wreath we used two Pink Multi Luxe Boas from The House of Bachelorette and two Modern Marabou Boas in Hot Passion Pink. Finally, you will need some straight pushpins. You likely already have these somewhere around your house!

Start Wrapping

Securing one end of one of the thicker, Luxe boas to the back of your foam form with a pin, beginning wrapping the boa around the form. Leave a small gap in between the rows. You will fill this in later with the thinner Marabou boa. Space your layers so that you are able to make it half-way around your form with one Luxe boa. When you reach the end, secure it with a pin on what will be the back of you wreath. Continue this process with the second Luxe boa on the other half of your wreath.

Fill in the Gaps

Now that your entire foam form is covered with two Luxe boas, it’s time to fill in the gaps with the coordinating Marabou boa. Since the feathers are slightly different, this will add some visual interest to your feather boa wreath. Secure the Marabou boa in the same way, using a pushpin. Each Marabou boa should cover half of the wreath.

Hang and Enjoy

That’s all there is to this simple, but lovely project that will add some spice to your home for Valentine’s Day. The great thing about this project is that you can reuse all of the materials in other ways. Once February 14th passes, unpin your boas and use them for a bachelorette party or a girls’ night out. You can re-purpose your foam form and create a wreath for another upcoming holiday. Or, snatch up some black boas and create a fun wreath for Halloween.

DIY Gift: How to Make a Chalkboard Clipboard

Christmas Gifts, DIY Cool Gift Ideas, Gifts for those who have everything, How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Nov 192009

clipboard 5 small Wondering how you can save money this Christmas? How about trying your hand at some homemade gifts? We showed you how to make your own cake plate using vintage thrift store finds and how to make a scarf in less than a minute. Now we’re filling you in on another simple DIY project that will make a great gift for busy moms, teachers, kids and more. This chalkboard clipboard is super easy to make and extremely useful for writing to-dos, reminders and grocery lists. Plus it’s so cute you may just want to make one for yourself to keep track of your Christmas gift list.

Step One: Buy Supplies

The clipboard is your canvas for this project. You may be lucky enough to find a clipboard at a thrift store for $.50 like we were, but if youâ€™re not pick one up at a craft store like Michaelâ€™s. They often come in a variety of sizes as well. While youâ€™re there, buy a small container of chalkboard paint. We found ours at AC Moore for less than $5. This jar of chalkboard paint will leave you with plenty of leftovers to tackle other craft projects in the future. Youâ€™ll also need some painter’s tape and a paint brush or a small roller.

Step Two: Start Painting

For a crisp, clean line, tape off the top section of your clipboard using the painter’s tape. Next, apply a smooth, thin layer of chalkboard paint to the front of the clipboard. Let it dry for at least an hour and then apply a second coat to ensure complete coverage. Using a roller will give you a flawless surface without brush strokes.

Step Three: Write a Note

Once the chalkboard paint has dried completely, which can take up to 24 hours, remove the painter’s tape and write a thoughtful chalk message for the new owner of this lovely handmade gift. Include a piece of chalk with the gift so they can start using it right away because with a present this cute you know theyâ€™ll want to.

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

DIY Christmas Gift: How to Make a Cake Plate

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Nov 052009

Everyone is looking for ways to cut costs these days– especially now that the holidays are approaching. One way to save money on your gift-giving budget is by making some gifts yourself. Here is an easy DIY Christmas gift that would be perfect for a neighbor, mother-in-law, or friend. Using some thrift store finds you can create a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift that your friends will love.

Supplies:

Plate

Small vase or candlestick

Silicone Adhesive
Step One: Head to the Thrift Store

Head to your local thrift store for a unique plate and base that will make up your cake plate. The plate can be just about any size, shape or color. Think about the person you are giving it to and what colors and style they might like best. Look through the selection of small glasses, candlesticks and vases for a base that will work with the plate you’ve selected. At most thrift stores these pieces will cost you less than a dollar each.

Step Two: Buy Adhesive

Head to your local hardware store and pick up some silicone adhesive. This is typically used in bathrooms or kitchens to make a waterproof seal between tiles or pipes. Clear is probably the best color choice so it won’t be noticed. Choose a brand that dries in a few hours. This will probably cost about $3 or $4 and will be more than enough to finish your project.

Step Three: Wash Your Pieces

Wash your cake plate and stand. Make sure they are clean and dust-free. This will insure that the adhesive works like it should.

Step Four: Measure and Apply

Measure the center of the bottom of your plate. It’s important that your base is secured in the center so that your cake plate won’t tip over. Apply the adhesive to the side of your base that you are securing to the underside of the plate. Push the two together to remove any air pockets. Apply more adhesive around the outside edge of the base for added strength.

Step Five: Allow to Dry

Give your cake plate a few hours to dry, according to the directions of the silicone adhesive you purchased.

Step Six: Wrap and Give

Wrap up your unique cake plate and present it to the lucky person in your life. They’ll love this new addition to their kitchen and you’ll love that this one-of-a-kind Christmas gift cost less than $5 to make.

Images courtesy of Alison Storm

How to Find Affordable Art to Give as Gifts

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Oct 092009

Affordable Art Makes Great Gifts (Image courtesy of Marshall Astor)

Art is wonderful. It brightens our homes. Art broadens our world. And it gives us something lovely to look at. But often finding art that is affordable can be a big challenge. Many one-of-a-kind pieces cost hundreds– even thousands of dollars which doesn’t fit into gift budgets very well. But there are ways to find affordable art to give as gifts. Here are a few places to look.

Etsy

Etsy is a marketplace where artists can sell their work. Thousands of people have Etsy shops with unique items to sell and most is very affordable. Pick up signed digital prints for less than $10 like this one from artist Sarah Knight. Or for wearable art, check out this Paris Map necklace made from a scrabble tile and paper. It’s only $6.95.

6×6 Gallery

Sometimes smaller is better. At 6x6gallery.com all of the art is made on six inch squares. That means you can pick up original art starting at just $35. If you happen to be in New York, check out the Six by Six Gallery on East 13th Street. Otherwise, order up your affordable art online.

Local Shops

Head to some local art shops and galleries. Many artists will have prints of their original works to sell that are far more affordable. You can either buy the print framed or unframed. For an even more affordable way to give art as gifts only purchase the print and head to a thrift store to look for a low-cost frame. It’s a great way to support local artists in your community without spending a whole lot of money.

Postcards and Note Cards

Some artists even choose to turn their works of art into postcards or note cards. Pick up a pack of these and find a small matted frame at a craft store. Better yet– buy several different note card designs from the same artist and frame three of them to create a nice grouping of framed art to give as a gift.

How to Make a Bird Baby Mobile

Baby Shower Gifts, DIY Cool Gift Ideas, Gifts for those who have everything, How To Comments Off

Sep 142009

photo courtesy of Alison Storm

Looking for a creative, low-cost baby gift that would work in a boy’s or girl’s nursery? Try making a bird baby mobile. You can adjust the colors to fit any style or scheme. I found the idea on a great blog called Spool. Using a little help from them and some supplies I had around the house I was able to create this cute gift for my neighbor’s new arrival.
Step One: Download the Pattern

Spool created this amazing free pattern to help you sew the birds for your baby mobile. Simply print it out and cut out the two pieces that make up the pattern.

Step Two: Choose Your Fabric

Think about the colors of the nursery and coordinate fabric to match. Choose solids and prints. Since the pattern does not require the pieces to be very big you may have suitable fabric already. You can also check out remnant sales at fabric stores to pick up small amounts of discounted fabric.

Step Three: Sew Your Birds

Pin the two sections of the bird together, right sides on the inside. You can use a machine to sew your birds, or do it by hand. Choose coordinating thread and leave the tail open so you can fill it with stuffing.

Step Four: Stuff Your Birds

This sounds like an activity for Thanksgiving, but it’s not. Carefully fill your birds with stuffing to give them a plump shape.

The branches for your mobile can likely be found in your own backyard. Choose a couple that are relatively straight. You can either sand them slightly and leave them natural, or for a more polished look spray paint your sticks.

photo courtesy of Alison Storm

Using fishing line and some wire, attach your birds to the sticks. Be creative with your positioning. You can have several birds grouped together, facing different ways or even suspend a bird from one of the sticks so it looks like it’s in mid-air.

Step Seven: Hang Your Mobile

The mobile can be easily hung using additional fishing line and some hooks screwed into the ceiling. Another option is hanging it from a curtain rod like the one you see pictured. Just make sure you hang it high enough so it is well out of baby’s reach.

Step Eight: Enjoy!

Your baby will enjoy watching the colorful birds flying or perched above and you’ll enjoy your lovely handmade creation.

Gifts with Sustainable Style (That Won’t Break The Bank)

Gifts For Her, Gifts for those who have everything, Today's Cool Gift Idea 1 Response »

Feb 272009

Earth Day is coming up soon (April 22 to be exact)!Â In honor of Earth Day, I am devoting this post to eco-style. Â Have you noticed the words “sustainable & style” are being used together more and more by fashion editors and media?Â Â Up and coming designers everywhere are premiering their eco-conscience designs; one hot trend is accessories made from recycled materials.Â Recycling materials and transforming them into fashion accessories is a win-win situation. Â As a consumer, you are helping the environment when you support businesses that manufacture clothing and accessories made from recycled materials. How are you helping?Â Many of the materials filling the landfills will remain there for thousands of years.Â Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials; thus preserving our precious natural resources.Â Â It reduces air and water pollution along with energy usage.

The consumer is rewarded by acquiring a quality product that is unique and well made.Â Products made from recycled materials are often handcrafted and manufactured by a fair trade organization that provides a fair wage and favorable working conditions for their workers.Â Celebrities and fashion elite are spotted everywhere donning everything from bags made from recycled juice boxes, plastic bags or rubber tires to earrings made from old mason jars and Clorox bottles. As more and more of us are beginning to follow the green movement, designers are creating fantastic well crafted pieces fashion consumers will enjoy for generations to come.Â And keeping our difficult economic situation in mind, I have found some beautiful pieces for a reasonable price.

Here are some good accessory finds from some of my favorite online retail shops:

prod2097_sm Vy & Elle Bags- Made from PVC Vinyl (Recycled Vinyl Billboards) These colorful bags are chic and durable.Â Thousands of billboards with advertisements made of PVC vinyl go up each day.Â When these billboards are no longer needed, they are discarded into landfills where they create toxic pollution. Upset by this wasteful practice, Nicola Freegard and Robin Janson founded Vy & Elle in 2002 in order to transform this landfill-bound material into durable and vibrant products. The strength of PVC vinyl makes it an ideal material for reuse Continue reading »

2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide – Originals by Lauren

Gifts For Her, Gifts For Kids, Gifts for those who have everything, Valentine's Day Gifts Comments Off

Jan 292009

We mentioned Originals by Lauren in our 2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide.

Handcrafted quilt. photo courtesy of Originals by Lauren

Â Originals by Lauren specializes in beautifully hand made quilts, aprons, potholders, jewelryÂ and much more! She only uses the best materials and all her products are unique; not two designs are exactly the same.

In the image you have one of my favorites: Hearts All Around Us Wallhanging.

Product Features:

It’s made of 100% cotton fabric and it has cotton batting inside.
Â It has a sleeve on the back for hanging.
measures 16″ (40.64cm) square.
It is made to hang on the wall, but could be used on a door, or even on a small table.
The colors are deep burgundy, green and beige.

Another quilt that I like is: Shadows and Squares Lap Quilt. From her apron collection I like: Amy Butler Gold Print Apron.

The prices vary so please check her website at OriginalsbyLauren.etsy.com to see available styles!

You can also visit her Blog to see what’s “cooking” and take a peek at “behind the scenes” photos.

Older Entries

How to Make a Flower Out of Fabric

How to Make Gift Giving More Green

How to Grow Gifts in Your Backyard

How to Make a Feather Boa Wreath for Valentine’s Day

DIY Gift: How to Make a Chalkboard Clipboard

DIY Christmas Gift: How to Make a Cake Plate

How to Find Affordable Art to Give as Gifts

How to Make a Bird Baby Mobile

Gifts with Sustainable Style (That Won’t Break The Bank)

2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide – Originals by Lauren

Today’s Featured Gift Idea

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