5-Minute Gift Box from Recycled Product Packaging

I will occasionally save product packaging to be used in craft projects, if it looks like it has the potential to be pretty without a huge effort. I've been hanging on to this silver box forever, waiting for inspiration to strike, and today it did, in the form of copper-toned metallic cardstock scraps. I've had a stash of these scraps for a few years, left over from a stamp camp I co-hosted a while back, and I realized that I like them much better when placed next to silver metallic. For this box, I simply embossed the copper cardstock with my Cuttlebug, cut some pieces just large enough to cover the text on the box, and glued them in place. A white sheer ribbon completes the look. Just be careful when dry-embossing metallic cardstock, because the surface has a tendency to crack.

Ten Minute Headband

So many tutorials come with the promise of easy and fast, and sometimes they're neither. But this Ten Minute Headband from Blue Bird Studio couldn't be easier, and you really can complete it in ten minutes, if not less. I love Heather's simple construction technique, which includes absolutely no tube-turning and utilizes an elastic hair band instead of regular sewing elastic. So clever! I made this headband for my niece, but will be making a few for myself as soon as my hair grows out a bit.

How-To: Covered Button Bobby Pins

This is a quick and easy variation on the covered button hair elastic I showed you a few months ago. All you need for each one is a covered button, a bobby pin with a circular pad, and some E-6000 glue. I used size 24 buttons, which are 5/8" in diameter, and both the bobby pins and the glue are available in most craft stores.

Refer to the covered button hair elastic tutorial for photos and directions on how to cover a button. Before you assemble the pieces, be sure to remove the loop from the button back with a pair of pliers, and discard it where children and pets can't find it. Then simply attach the pad to the back of your covered button with a dab of E-6000 glue. Let the glue dry completely before using your new bobby pin.

Paper Beads

I've occasionally considered making paper beads, but it was one of those projects that I kept moving down the list, then I would quickly lose interest. But yesterday I saw a tutorial on Natasha's blog, and I knew that I had to drop everything else immediately and make some now. I don't think I'm finished with the beads pictured above, because I'd like them to be shinier like Natasha's, but I wanted to go ahead and show them to you.

Natasha goes into a lot of detail on how to experiment with your beads using things like paint, pigments, and UTEE. At this point, mine are simply rolled and sealed with ModPodge.

Here they are in progress:

How-To: Birthday Gift Tag

On behalf of all of us who were almost born on Christmas Day, I'd like to say how much we all appreciate our birthday gifts, especially since we know you're so busy this time of year, not to mention broke. But (and that's a tiny little but), we love our gifts even more when the package doesn't look like a Christmas present. Maybe it's because we don't get a festive birthday break mid-year, or maybe it's because most December babies feel a little cheated in the birthday party department. In any case, take my word for it -- we really love, love, love it when that birthday gift isn't wrapped in red or green or holiday foil. (OK, I'm done whining, really!)

And think about it. Aren't you a little tired of holiday-themed projects and crafts? But if you still need to work on Christmas items, this tag can easily be adapted to any occasion.

First, stamp a greeting on a small piece of cardstock. Size is totally flexible, depending on what stamp(s) you're using. Layer that piece on a slightly larger piece of contrasting cardstock. Then, layer that onto a slightly wider piece that has some extra length for folding over.

Next, I used my scallop scissors to make a fancy edge. See that pencil line near the scallops? That's how I manage to cut a nice, straight decorative edge. The pencil line won't show once the tag is folded.

Score a fold line using a ruler and bone folder, and fold your decorative edge over the end of your stamped image. If you want, you can hold it in place with adhesive, but it's not absolutely necessary because now you'll add an eyelet.

Now punch a tiny hole and attach an eyelet, then add a pretty ribbon or two. You can tie your tag around a gift bag, or attach it to a wrapped gift.

How-To: Holiday Treat Box

This is a simple treat box that can be cut, decorated, and constructed in no time flat. The box pictured here measures 3" wide by 2" deep by 2-1/4" high. It easily holds 3 cookies in a cellophane bag. At this size, you can make 2 boxes out of a single sheet of cardstock, plus scraps for the greeting.

First, refer to the image below for cutting and scoring instructions.

Next, decorate the outside of your box. Don't worry about getting good coverage on the bottom flaps, since they won't really show.

Fold the box together. The small side flap tucks to the inside, as do the smaller 2 bottom flaps. Glue or use double-sided tape to secure.

Stamp a greeting on a scrap of cardstock and attach to the front of your box.

Fill the box with a cellophane bag of treats, tied with a ribbon.

How-To: Takeout Box Gift Package

I wish I could tell you where I got the template for this little takeout box, but it has been so long since I used it, that I simply can't remember. However, a quick search of the web should result in several free patterns. I just happened to come across a few of these today, already cut out, in a folder, probably left over from a workshop. You can find something similar at Mirkwood Designs, and there are many free templates at By Donovan, although I didn't see a takout box there. Boxes are also available at craft stores, but it's easier to make your own than to take one apart to decorate it. This box measures approximately 2-1/2" tall.

My first step was to stamp a snowflake design all over the flat cardstock.

Next, I used a bone folder and a ruler to score all the fold lines, and carefully folded the box. Once you score all the fold lines, it will be pretty obvious how the box should be folded.

Then I used a long-reach punch to punch 1/8" holes in the sides, through which I inserted a tiny brad. The brads should hold everything in place, so there's really no need to use tape or glue. If you have a Crop-a-Dile (which, sadly, I don't!), you can easily punch holes through all three layers at once, or you could even use eyelets here, and maybe add a wire handle through the eyelets.

To finish off your box, fill it with treats or a gift, and tie it with a ribbon.

How To Add A One-Hole Bow To Your Greeting Card

The one-hole bow has been around for a while, but just in case you've never made one, I've provided some directions below. What I like about this bow-making method is that the bow is always straight when it's finished. I typically end up with bows that are slanted to one side, but not with this technique.

First, punch a hole where you want the bow to be. I used a 1/4" hole-punch for my 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.

Next, place your ribbon on top of the cardstock. Be sure you cut a longer piece of ribbon than usual, because it will be wrapping completely around your cardstock before being tied into a bow.

Wrap the ribbon around to the back of the cardstock, then thread both ends through the hole from back to front. Pull one end out below the ribbon, and one end out above it.

Now tie a bow and you're done. I've attached this small element to a card, but this technique is also very effective when used directly on a full-size card, especially if you use a dramatic or fancy ribbon.

How-To: Moo Card Gift Tag with Liquid Applique

I've already mentioned that I'm trying to use up some of the supplies I already have, and while rooting around in my cabinet I came across an unopened tube of Liquid Applique. I've had this for years, along with a pink tube (also unopened). I probably never used them because once I had them, I really couldn't come up with anything I'd want to use them for. But since the current challenge at make a moo or two is to try something new, I thought I'd give this stuff a go, and I made the little moo-sized gift tag pictured above.

Liquid Applique is really so easy I probably don't need to give you directions here, but since it might be helpful to see before and after photos, just in case you've never used it, here's a brief tutorial.

For my moo card, I first stamped some snow people onto white card stock. That tube of Liquid Applique in the photo below doesn't appear to be white, but I remembered buying white, so I went ahead and tried it anyway.

Next, I simply added the tiniest bit of Liquid Applique to the snowflakes and along the bottoms of the snow people.

Here's what it looks like (below) when it's still wet. Now, the package says you can heat set it right away to puff it up, or for best results you can let it dry overnight before heating it. I decided to let it dry overnight so I could move on to some other things.

The next day, I heated it with my heat embossing tool until it was puffy. You don't want to do this too long, because I've heard that it will scorch. I was pleased to see the Liquid Applique become much whiter after drying and heating.

To complete my gift tag, I added some color with Prismacolor pencils, and put some color into the background with a blender pen and blue ink. If you intend to do much coloring with pencils, you might want to do that before you add Liquid Applique, because it's hard to color around lumpy stuff.

To complete the tag/moo card, I trimmed the piece down and glued it to red card stock, then added a tiny eyelet and a silver cord, as pictured in the photo at the top of this blog post.

Tutorial - Embellished Fabric Pin

In the coming weeks I'll be offering up a few tutorials for quick and easy projects, including some gift ideas, cards, and maybe some packaging. I'll also be trying to use supplies I already have, and will be recycling or repurposing some items that would ordinarily go in the trash. Check back often to see what I've been up to.

Today we'll make this little fabric pin that I've embellished with Eyelash cord and a fish bead. You really don't need the Eyelash, but it does add some nice texture and interest, so if you have some, go ahead and use it. You can substitute another cord if you have something interesting, or you can skip it altogether.

For this project you'll need some scraps of fabric, scraps of quilt batting, contrasting thread, a pretty bead or charm, and a sew-on pinback. Wonder-Under is optional, but helpful when you're working in this size.

My finished pin measures 1-5/8" by 2-1/8", so I will describe my project based on that size. You will need to adjust the measurements based on the bead or charm you're using.

Most of the steps are illustrated below, and the remaining steps I think are self-explanatory. Directions follow the photos.

1. First, if you have Wonder-Under, fuse it to the wrong side of your fabric scraps following the manufacturer's instructions, and remove the paper backing. I like to use it because it helps hold the layers of my project together while I'm sewing, and it gives some body to my pin.

2. Cut a 1-1/2" x 1" piece of one fabric, 2 pieces of a contrasting background fabric approximately 2-1/4" x 2-1/2", and 1 piece of batting approximately 2-1/4" x 2-1/2".

3. Fuse the small piece of fabric to one of the background pieces, then fuse that to your batting. Don't worry if your batting is sticking out or if your background looks too large. You'll be trimming this to a smaller size in just a few minutes.

4. Cut a 6" (approximately) piece of Eyelash and fold it in half. Set your machine for zigzag, and stitch around the edges of your smaller piece of fabric,feeding the Eyelash along the edge as you go and zigzagging the Eyelash in place. Don't worry about which direction the little eyelashes go, but do be sure to catch the main cord under your stitching. Trim off any excess length of Eyelash. This is already looking cute, isn't it?

5. Sew your charm or bead on at this point, using a sturdy thread and knotting it securely on the back of the batting.

6. Now fuse your remaining background piece to the back of your work. You probably won't be able to press this flat because your bead is on the other side, but that's OK. Really all you need to do is tack it in place. Be careful not to melt your bead if it's plastic.

7. Now you can trim the entire piece down to the size you want. This will get rid of any stray bits of batting or background that are sticking out, and will tidy everything up.

8. Zigzag around the outside edge to secure all the layers.

9. Handstitch your pin back securely to the back of your fabric, being careful not to stitch through to the front.

That's all there is to it! You can change this up in a variety of ways, such as adding a ribbon loop to make a tree ornament, leaving off the pin back and stitching your work to a larger project, attaching the pin to a gift package -- or whatever else your imagination suggests.

Tutorial - Covered Button Hair Elastic

This has to be one of the easiest but most effective craft projects I've ever done. I make a variety of things with covered buttons, and the hair elastic is probably my favorite, although I can't wear these because my hair is short. There are probably dozens of different tutorials for them on the internet, but I thought I'd share with you how I make them.

(For the directions below, the corresponding photos go clockwise from top left in each set.)

1. First, gather your supplies. You will need a covered button shell and back, a pusher and holder assembly aid, a small piece of fabric, and a plain hair elastic (not pictured here). I like to use Maxant brand buttons. You can purchase a kit that includes the assembly aid, and refill packages without the assembly aid are available. I'm using size 24 buttons.

2. Using the template that corresponds to your button size (provided on the package), cut a circle of your fabric and center it over the assembly holder. Place the button shell on top of the fabric.

3. Push the button shell down into the assembly holder as far as it will go.

4. Fold the edges of the fabric down into the button shell.

5. Place the button back on top of the shell, with the loop pointing up.

6. Place the plastic pusher over the button back.

7. Press the pusher down all the way to attach the back to the shell.

8. Your button should look like the one at bottom right, above.

9. Press on the bottom of the holder until the button pops out. Now isn't that like magic? A covered button!

10. Thread your hair elastic into the button loop.

11. Loop one end of the elastic over the button loop and through the other end of the elastic.

12. Pull tight, and you're done! It's that easy!

These are so much fun to make, and they are great little stocking stuffers for Christmas. They look especially cute when you group 2 or 3 of them on a ponytail.

Easy Pincushion

I love those simple projects that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, and this pincushion from Heather Bailey falls into that category. Go over to Heather's beautiful website to get a free pdf pattern with easy-to-follow instructions. I made one small change, and that was to bring both ends of the ribbon out on the same side (not sure how I managed to do that, it just happened, so I ran with it!), and I threaded the ribbon through the button so I wouldn't have to sew the button on. Too bad I didn't have any fancy hatpins to dress up my photo!

How-To: Boxes from Recycled Greeting Cards

I promised months ago to post a tutorial on how to recycle greeting cards into tiny boxes, and finally managed to photograph one tonight while I was making it.

Before we get started, I have a couple of tips for box-making success. First, try to use a ruler that measures in sixteenths of an inch. You'll be able to measure more accurately. I don't have one, but I've made enough of these that I can estimate 1/16" fairly easily. Second, look for greeting cards that have a matte finish. For the box pictured here, I used a card with a glossy finish, and you can see cracks in the surface where I made the creases. A matte finish is less likely to do this, and will result in sharper edges and less cracking.

OK, first select a card and determine the largest size square you can cut from the front. You can go smaller than that if you like, but for your first box it's easiest to work as large as possible.

Next, on the reverse of your card front, draw your square, then place your ruler from corner to corner and draw an X in the center. This will mark the exact center of the square. On the back of the card (the blank area or the space where the greeting is), draw a square that is 3/16" smaller than your previous square. Mark the center.

Cut out the squares with scissors or a rotary cutter.



Beginning with the square you cut for the box top, fold all four corners to the center X and crease the folds.



Fold each straight edge toward the center, crease, and unfold.


Note the crease lines in the photo at left. It's important to complete all the folding steps above so that you make the correct cuts in the following step.



Using sharp scissors, cut from point A to point B. You'll be cutting through 2 layers of cardstock. Then cut from point C to point D. Repeat these cuts on the OPPOSITE edge of your folded card. IMPORTANT: You're only cutting on 2 sides, NOT 4.


Fold out the 2 sides you cut, as pictured at left.


Fold up sides 1 and 2 so that they're vertical.

Fold sides 3 and 4 over to hold sides 1 and 2 in place. If the little pointed sides don't stay down by themselves, glue them in place.

Repeat all steps for the box bottom. The top and bottom may fit very tightly together, depending on how carefully you cut and measured, or on your folding technique. Take this into account for your next box, and cut the box bottom smaller or larger accordingly. Be warned, these are addictive!