Apron Patterns + Tutorials & #Sewing Aprons For Haiti

17 May posted by

 

Dear Creatives, I am starting to sew some aprons for Haiti using a pattern & tutorial I came across. This volunteer apron project is going on at Craft Hope until the end of May if you haven’t heard of it. It is for a great cause & I did a little round up of easy to do apron tutorials! Yes, you can make one in ten minutes or more if you want to join in. I promise to share what I make, but being so busy this week I don’t have time for pictures, editing…  { all about the apron project & address at end of post} First up the tutorials & patterns.

This is a 10 minute apron tutorial for a pillow case apron from Betz White.

Quick & Easy Apron Tutorial via Feathered Nest

& if you’d like to do some searching here is a round-up of round-ups! So many to choose from.

Tutorial  & Pattern Round Ups 

Craft Hope Project # 17

It is unlikely that the average Haitian woman will ever receive anything that is special and pretty, something just for herself. Daily life for the Haitian woman is grueling and backbreaking. Most have to carry 5-gallon buckets of water on their heads from miles away. Cooking is done in a pit in the ground from handmade charcoal. The few pieces of clothing they have are washed in the river and hung to dry. To receive something as precious as an apron made with love from pretty new fabrics would go a long way in making a Haitian women feel special. We would love for you to join us as we sew and collect aprons for the women of Haiti!

Craft Hope on Facebook – Aprons for Haiti

Guidelines for Project Apron:

  • –Pretty-but-practical full or half aprons (nothing too frilly, ruffly or lacey)
  • –Washable fabrics only please
  • –Pockets are a plus
  • –You may include a handwritten note with your apron if you like. Someone will be available to translate when we deliver the aprons

Please send all aprons to:
HAITI BY HAND
3333 Benton Road
Cedar Hill TN 37032
–Contact Rebecca at haitibyhand@att.net with any questions.

For more information about Haiti by Hand please visit their blog at www.haitibyhand.typepad.com

Deadline: May 31, 2012

If you are just learning to sew Aprons are a great starter project! Join in if you like!

Do you sew?

Have you heard of Craft Hope? Have you done any other projects for Craft Hope? 

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Filed Under: Charities, Crafts, Patterns, Sewing

Thrifty Tuesday Savings & Discounts #Crafty

15 May posted by

 

Dear Creatives, Happy Tuesday to you! I have a few Thrifty Tuesday specials to share with you!


First up a new class every sewing ,crafty gal should consider. Now, I know that you should keep your machine in tip top shape & I’ll be the first to admit I will be joining hands with you to check out this class. The last thing I want to do is have to buy a new machine right now! So knowing how to care for it & deal with emergencies is being prepared! {girl scouts honor} lol  Race you there!!

About the class: Sewing Machine 911 Enjoy your class as many times as you want, whenever you want. Your access never expires. Free online Craftsy class, Sewing Machine 911, teachs all about the typical ills most machines suffer from, and how to easily remedy those pesky problems. Gain confidence in troubleshooting your own machine issues with my tips and tricks. In this class,  is discussion both vintage and modern machines, new and used. All of these machines can sew, and they can sew well when the user understands them correctly. Teacher says,”Work with me and get to know the ins and outs of your sewing machine, including the basic components of each machine, spotting symptoms, knowing when to take your machine to a professional, and much more!”

Don’t sew! No worries, Craftsy has tons of free patterns & classes, along with ones you can purchase too! Anywhere from  quilters, knitters, crocheters, sewists, jewelry makers, and other crafters. . Check them out & see what their current offering are! I promise you won’t be disappointed!!

Off to update a few other discounts & I just might be back later with another! So be sure to check the goodiebag & drop down navigation for $off & printable coupons + more!

What are you crafting or sewing today? Or are  you just bargain hunting?

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Filed Under: Crafts, freebies, Thrifty Tuesdays

#ExpressYourself Elmer’s Painters Opaque Paint Markers & Projects

12 May posted by
Theresa Huse 2012 DearCreativesdotcom-01167 final 650x

 

Dear Creatives, I wanted to share some new products from Elmer’s & a project anyone can do with them! So first up the products & then the project (s) !

Elmer’s Opaque Paint Markers:

  • New $1.97 price at Walmart for single Painters Paint Markers
  • more selection and the new everyday low price of the single Painters Paint Markers
  • They come in sets in if you wish &  in colors such as : pretty pastels & sherbert swirl
    • Medium tip size
    • Fast drying
    • Non-toxic
    • Permanent
    • Acrylic paint
    • Easy to use
    • Acid free
    • Photo safe
    • Can be used on wood, glass, ceramic, foam board, plastic, card-stock and much more
    • Great for crafting
    • Perfect for personalizing
    • Mess free
I picked up a pack of the Elmer’s Painters Opaque Paint Markers, 5-Pack, Sherbet Swirl: Ocean, Lilac, Citron, Coral & Tangerine!
To see my entire shop along with more finished product images check out my Google+ post/shop.
Click any images to enlarge further

 

 

I couldn’t help but, be inspired by all the colors & plants being offered right now for home & garden! I decided to do some projects that I will add to the garden patio & for my herb garden.

 

 

 

One of the places I looked for Elmer’s Painters Pens was the My Memories section of my Walmart store, but they weren’t there so it was off to the crafts section to find them! I could of bought them individually but, for my project decided on a 5-pack.

 

 

Before plain!
After using Elmer’s Painter’s, I still wanted that washed look so I didn’t go over it a second time.

 

 

Before
After bright, beautiful!  I see more of these little garden signs in my future!

 

Before lifeless, colorless mini planter.

 

 

I guess I could of sanded it first, but this happens to be the only side that was a little rough.

 

I did different designs so you can switch the look by moving the sides around.

 

This is the flower design I penciled in the rest is freehand. I think light  penciling in is best for getting a result you like.

 

 

These projects were easy, fun to do & I recommend you give Elmer’s Painters Pen a try I think you’ll love them as much as I do! So many uses for these pens honestly!

 

Have you used Elmer’s Painters Pens Yet? If so what did you do? If not what would you try with them ?

 

To#ExpressYourself & see all thatElmer’s has to offer & follow them visit these links:

 

“I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric”

 

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Filed Under: Crafts, DIY

Natural Home-Made Lotion How To & Recipes

10 May posted by
Theresa Huse 2011 -01076 3 jars of homemade hand lotions

Dear Creatives, I have been seeing homemade hand lotions & lip balms floating around the web for quite a while. Swooning, pinning, planning & finally making some. I thought I would share the results with you along with the recipes I used.

Here are the products I used to make the homemade hand lotions all were purchased at our local health food store, but there are plenty of online resources. I will share more on that later.  One of the products Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil was one that I was sent to test out to see how I like it. Yes, I do! & it was perfect timing to have it on hand to create these hand lotions & creams.

I made sure to wash & dry the jars I was going to use. Having all your items along with area clean is important & having your items set up makes it so much easier there is no time when you are melting & stirring your ingredients! Down the road I’d love to buy a few pretty jars in cobalt blue, even smaller for making batches half the size. The jars I used were 4oz. jelly jars wide mouth.

Use the recipe melting all the ingredients into the pot, stirring the entire time until all is melted. Then pour into clean jars. Do not move once in the jars or it will leave marks on sides of jars with lotion when dried. So pretty. If you have small children make sure to put them far from the edge of your counter. It does take awhile to cool.

Here is what it looks like as it cools. These two I made more of a hand cream. To make the lotion you place the cooling ingredients into a clean bowl deep enough to use a mixer in. When it is near this cooled point you whip it good! lol

It looks like this. Oh, yes & if you are impatient you can pop the bowl in the freezer, but keep an eye on the bowl you don’t want to forget it!

 

Then into the clean jars. This will go a long way, be sure your hands are clean when you use it. Great for hands & legs, not for face.

 

I wish I could send you a jar. This is really easy to do. You can get all your items together & make it at home in a few hours with cooling time. They would make great gifts anytime. It does have a bit of oil to it but soaks in very quickly. We have super dry air here so this is perfect for summer & winter’s here.

 

I have this great homeopathy book. I read that you can put herbs in oil & infuse them for two weeks to make infused oils. We have sage, peppermint & rosemary…. I might have to try that, of course when I do I will share. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for 6 months.

Print
hand made lotion - body butter

hand made lotion - body butter

Lotion is intended for hands, legs & feet.

Ingredients

  • !#1 Recipe
  • 1/2 cup cocoa butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (unrefined)
  • 1/4 cup apricot kernel oil or almond oil
  • 2 tsp grated beeswax
  • 10,000 iu of Vitamin e oil from capsule * I used approx. 3/4 tbsp. Vitamin e oil from a bottle that had a dropper.
    • #2 Recipe
  • 1 cup shea butter
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup almond oil
  • 1/2 tbsp vitamin e oil

Instructions

  1. Recipe 1 & 2 ( see note at bottom about #2 )
  2. prepare all your jars wash & dry
  3. gather all your utensils
  4. put your ingredients into double boiler if you have one or other pot
  5. stir over a low heat until entirely melted
  6. pour into jars
  7. let cool
    8. #recipe 2 steps are all the same until melted then add into a large mixing bowl, let cool when getting darker in color losing clarity whip with mixer & spoon into jars.

Notes

Notes & Disclaimer: use 04oz. wide mouth jelly jars or beauty jars you find online. make sure your hands are clean prior to using to keep product clean non refrigerated 3mo. refrigerated 6mo. Research & study your recipes, use at your own risk, not for face.

http://www.dearcreatives.com/natural-home-made-lotion-how-to-recipes/

 

Recipes used from or adapted from plus a few more:

This is the same coconut oil I used in my recipe that I sampled!

On sale at a great price if you’d like to try making your own lotion, of course larger sizes are available! (visit Tropical Traditions site for more options on both shown products & more)

Virgin Coconut Oil, Gold Label – 1 pint

 

 

 

& if you want to purchase a pre-made unscented lotion & add your own infused oil this could be an option:
Special Price! 8-oz. – Moisturizing Lotion – Unscented

Have you ever tried making homemade lotions or other beauty products?

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

 

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Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Green Crafts, Tutorials

Maurice Sendak + Where The Wild Things Are Inspired Arts & Crafts

9 May posted by
Maurice Sendak


Dear Creatives, I am reserving my craft post for another day to celebrate a life of someone who touched my childhood & who through his books has touched my children’s childhoods & hopefully their children’s. Maybe as many of you heard or read Maurice Sendak author, artist & illustrator died yesterday. For those of you who do not know his name maybe you will recognize some of the children’s books he has written one of the most famous Where The Wild Things Are, A Kiss For Little Bear…. in a long list of books too long to mention. {see bottom of post for more about him}

 

His stories are so loved by many. His illustrations & words conjure up ideas far beyond the imagination holding no one captive. In honor of Maurice Sendak I have rounded up some crafty ideas all taken from a planted seed {idea} gone wild. I am also going to share a video I thought you might enjoy seeing.

 

Dawn DawnyPoo.blogspot

Where The Wild Things Are Tutorial & free hat pattern

A wild thing hoodie that was made for a children’s party

Pixiegennes

A decorated train case with Where The Wild Things Are images.

Courtney Russel Two Straight Lines

A Wild Things Inspired craft bag Tutorial by Courtney Russel

Nikkikkin.com

A two year old’s birthday party, table decor, party treats along with ideas look at what Nikki created. Nikki also created a post dedicated to him, but had only a week prior posted her Where The Wild Things Are Party. You can get lost in her party images as if you were reading the book.

You must read this article from an interview with Maurice Sendak to see why I posted it & it’s being shared via NPR Books

 

 

To find out more about Maurice Sendak

A great article & obituary about Maurice Sandak from Comics Alliance

& if you are ready to walk on the wild side & see more things inspired Where The Wild Things Are:

Fashions & Fashion Show

Bento- Food {kids would love} & Food

Wild Inspired Beds {adults will love}

I’ll always keep a copies of Maurice Sendak’s books in my home & I hope if you haven’t read any of his books you will! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to go read a book to a child or just for yourself today!

For you, What was the most special part about reading books when you were a kid?

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Filed Under: art, Crafts, Inspired Living

Kit, Kit Horray! #Craft #Rug Love 50% #Discount off Today Only!

4 May posted by

 

Dear Creatives, Spring is the time of year where start barbecuing & having friends over more. With that being said, I love to have our porch updated & spruced up! I found this great site where I can not only get creative, but spruce up the porch along with the entry way with an all in one kit! I don’t think I’ll be stopping there either they have rug kits from entry way, runners to rounds & all the way up to 5′ x 8′ rug kits! I just found a pattern that is perfect for brightening up my home near my screen-door called forest floor, I am in love with!  Now you can get creative & brighten up your home too by visiting Vecco Studio too!

This was one of my favorites called Forest Floor.

I just got notified that 50% off  TODAY ONLY!!

Don’t forget to take this code to get the discount!!

50% off with using this COUPONcode: RUG50

 

Another favorite was this Ginkgo. There are so many choices! I was going to wait to Monday to post about these rug kits, but how could I resist passing on this discount!? I couldn’t at 50% off !! Let me know if you end up using it & which one you picked out!! Just use the link above & take the code! Enjoy!

 

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Filed Under: Crafts, discounts, DIY

PinWheels Fabric & Felt

2 May posted by
Theresa Huse 2011 Dear Creatives-00620 Pinwheels in mason jar

Dear Creatives, I can’t believe it’s May already! I created some pinwheels & now I am spinning with inspiration to create some more! Next with pretty papers while I wait to gather some more felt. I can’t believe I have run out, but I do love using felt! I promise to link to some tutorials so you can make your own, these will be at the end of the post!

I used felt & fabric for this project. You can vary the look by choice of fabrics & the fabric bond you use or not use.

 

I am partial to anything purple or lavender. I used wood dowels that are 3/10 x 12″

 

I had to make a few & use some old buttons to embellish the centers. I’ll be looking for vintage buttons,broaches & more at yard sales to embellish pinwheels with pretty accents!

 

To finish them up I placed them in spray painted a mason jar, added brown tissue & tied the jar with a bow! Next I will be making some that you can actually spin! I have these on my mantel right now.  Mine came out a bit different I didn’t have the Vliesofix / Bondaweb & could of glued down the fabric to the felt in a spot or two. I think they came out just as cute as Irina’s any way. Don’t you think?  I can’t guarantee you’ll stop making them when you see all the options!  You can make these up in no time yourself with a little how to from these places:


Which will you make first fabric or paper? (or) Have you made pinwheels before?

For Daily Deals, Supplies, Patterns & Classes Craftsy

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Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Tutorials

Wedding Inspiration Pinterest Boards & Wedding Flowers

1 May posted by
Wedding Pinterest Board About Flowers

 

Dear Creatives, Yes it’s Thrifty Tuesday but, I thought I would slip in a post about just winning a contest. & how you can still share your wedding inspiration although the contest is over. April was all about weddings at the Flower Factory & they invited brides and wedding dreamers to share their Dream Wedding Pinterest boards, which is what I did. Now some of you know I don’t write this blog under my real name I reserve that for my art blog which I am going to be redesigning soon & getting a new address for, along with updating but that is a whole other story for later. {choosing wedding flowers & flower tips at end of post}

Any way, I have always loved beautiful flowers & photography not to mention pretty weddings.There has been many back to back these past few years of friends & family. How could I not be inspired by what is out there in blog land & on Pinterest. So I thought I would  give it a shot,take a moment & enter the contest. To my surprise I won! Yes, my curated board was chosen.

Click to enlarge & don’t forget to visit to enter your Wedding Inspiration board

Of course I am a bit honored 50 others entered & it was chosen by floral professionals! ( The 4 others spotlighted have great boards too) I thought I would give you a peek at the article & a link to finish up reading & enter your own wedding pin boards if you have one!! Just leave a link to your board in the comments along with your name.

When it comes to wedding flowers it is important to pick your colors ( but, be flexible ) know what is in season (so you don’t have to spend a fortune!) be able to share your vision with who is creating your designs. Even be willing to have a trial run or mock up done of an arrangement. Price out your items to keep in your budget. If you are doing the floral arrangements yourselves be sure to purchase from a local grower if you can or go to the floral mart.  & if you don’t know much about flowers hire a florist by getting a recommendation & interviewing, along with pricing. I have a few other tips maybe I’ll try & put them into one spot for you! Until then check out AboutFlowersBlog.com

Before you go today: Be sure & enter the giveaway! Time is running out! & link up if you have any Earth Day & beyond “Green” posts, I ‘d love to see what you have.

You might like my other posts: 

What flower tip can you pass on to someone who reads this post? or

What wedding tip can you pass on?

I’ll be back late with some Thrifty Tuesday goodness ;)

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Filed Under: Flowers, Wedding

Heart of Haiti

26 Apr posted by

 

This Mother’s Day, I’m working with Clever Girls in support of Macy’s Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the “trade, not aid” program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.

Dear Creatives, I have to share a little bit of why Heart of Haiti has touched me so much & why I want to help spread the word to help Haitian artisans to rebuild their lives. My grandma was from a large family, life wasn’t simple on the farm in Texas. As an older woman who still had struggles, but had all the necessities needed she taught me to be understanding & helping to others in need. Something I carry with me to this day.

 It was the earthquake of Dec. 22, 2003 when we experienced the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5.

Paso Robles, CA Earthquake 2003Wiki Pedia

 

Flash back to 2003 & the Paso Robles, CA Earthquake; with grate fear that day we both (Krissy & I) ran down the hall to get Sammie who was then still just a baby, floors rocking like a ship at sea in a storm, walls moving, feeling dizzy & not knowing where we would be safe as this was the most violent earthquake we had experienced. We were lucky, with only minor damages to our home & no injuries, but someone I knew wasn’t as lucky. A young man who worked for me at the time, I saw on  tv during the news, his fiancee was in the downtown brick building that totally collapsed. She was killed in the earthquake.

Later while attending the services which packed the church I could only image the heartache for this family & my co worker. Now when I hear of natural disasters I have a taste of the devastation & pain it can cause.  Here our town square was rebuilt, but two lost their lives that day & 40 others injured. This wasn’t my first big earthquake, but it was the first where I knew a person that lost their life. I can’t imagine if I lost everything &  how we would rebuild or survive!

  January 12, 2010 Haiti Earthquake 7.0

Haiti 2010 Earthquake {Wiki Pedia}

90 percent of the town’s buildings had been destroyed. 3 million people had been affected by the quake

Now, fast forward to today! Helping Heart of Haiti.

 

 

The loss of life & of Haiti was far worse than I have seen in my lifetime, I applaud & support Macy’s Heart of Haiti program! Supporting so many, just like Pascale. ( her story above) I hope you will too! Know we can help in such a simple way by supporting this program. To find out more about it visit Macy’s Heart of Haiti where you can see videos of artisan communities & how its done, or simple make a purchase to give someone special this mother’s day. There are so many choices, not just jewelry to give that special mom or mom to be. From vases, frames, pot holders, serving ware……

 

Here are only a  few examples of the beautiful craftsmanship of Heart of Haiti.

All the items are beautifully hand crafted from the artisans of Haiti. This mother’s day I am giving Krissy a follow your heart necklace as a reminder of how blessed we were that day & to share the memory of my grandmother, along with my mom who have been gone from our lives, but their messages are still carried in our heart. To reach out & help others in need, along with being taught to follow our passions. I sincerely hope you join me in helping to continue to help Haiti rebuild their communities.

{Heart of Haiti} Listen to the stories, meet the artisans, find out how its helping & to make a purchase.

What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti? Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.

Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.

 

What life lessons have you taken from your special grandma, mom, step mom or mother figure? How are you honoring them this Mother’s Day?

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart” promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

 

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Filed Under: art, Charities, Crafts, Gifts, Inspired Living

Green Crafting How to Butterfly Feeder & House

23 Apr posted by
Theresa Huse 2012 DearCreatives-00968 Sammie putting on finishing touches on butterfly house

 

Dear Creatives, Happy Monday to you! It’s going to be a busy week here for me. Today I wanted to share my time out for Earth Day with you. Sammie & I created the butterfly feeder along with a butterfly house I talked about making. We weeded our small herb garden, along with planting & pruning a few things. We planted a new thyme, basil & rosemary plants. I took a few photographs to share with you, then after the photos is a video tutorial with the steps showing what we did. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is Sammie out working on the butterfly house we made together & our just weeded herb garden full of sage, chives, strawberries, oregano & more.

 

Butterfly feeders are great for attracting butterflies. The butterfly houses help protect them from bad weather.

Next is a video tutorial I created for you on how to create them for your garden .

Note: I didn’t purchase the software I used to make the video, so this free version will take you off site & then you’ll have to come back. I was testing it out to see how I like it before I commit to purchasing. More about that later! & see not under video before going! I think you will enjoy the tutorial, by the way its not long!

If you share: do not alter & link back to site ;) Thank you!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
This digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

This video collage customized with Smilebox

  • Don’t forget to link-up if you have some green crafts, tips or ideas to share!
  •  Enter the giveaway before your done today!
  • Check out the Beyond Earth Day Tips!
  • Do let me know how you like the tutorial so I will know if you enjoy viewing them this way & if you do I will make some again with the software & consider purchasing it.

What did you do for Earth Day or this past weekend?

 

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Filed Under: Green, Green Crafts, Nature
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