Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104: August 2013

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Craft Stick Bracelets

A great kids craft idea from molly moo, craft stick bracelets! I saw this on pinterest, and tried
it myself. Note: you need the larger craft sticks..which are wider and a little longer than
regular popsicle sticks.

Take the craft sticks and put some in a bowl. Pour boiling hot water over them, and
let them stand in the water at least 10 minutes. Take one craft stick out of the water,
and gently bend it, starting at the end. Keep bending the stick until it forms an arch.
Place inside a glass or can to dry. Repeat this step for each soaked craft stick.
Once you have all the sticks placed in the glass or container, allow to dry overnight.

Paint the bracelets in geometric patterns, cover with printed duct tape,
or wrap with embroidery thread. You may poke tiny holes in the ends
of each bracelet, and run an embroidery thread through it, tie of the end, add
beads, for a decorative tie.

For photos of the finished bracelets, go to mollymoo.ie or
http://www.jewelrymaking247.com/craft-stick-bracelets/ or
my favorite place Pinterest, and type in "craft stick bracelets" for a series of photo ideas.

For everyday craft inspiration, try Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104
Fuego Phoenix. Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Crafts-Budget-Kids-Volume/dp/0615640826

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Rustic Furniture Repair

I have an armoire that I upcycled a few years ago. I spent 300 plus hours, creating handmade leather
and fabric trims to enhance this solid wood item and change it to a Moroccan style show piece.

My cat liked the trims for sharpening his claws. He destroyed one side of the front. I decided to repair the damage, and to take preventative measures.

Cat destroyed trim.

Luckily, I had fabric remnants used for the original handmade trims. I cut out two pieces of matching fabric strips, and ironed the edges under. I ripped out the old staples, and cardboard tacking strip which had held them in place. I slipped the new fabric under the old, matching the designs,
then stapled in place.

I bought 3/8 inch plywood at Home Depot and had it cut into two pieces that would fit over
the sides of the armoire, to make "cat scratchers" for the sides. I bought jute twine to wrap around the plywood.

I spread glue on one side and let it dry.

Next, I nailed the plywood pieces to the sides of the armoire, so each one extends about

an inch on the front. Now the cat has a scratcher, and the trims are safe from being destroyed!


Panel added to side of armoire. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix. 'All Rights Reserved.

I also made a smaller 4 x 18 inch cat scratcher with plywood and jute twine for my cat to play with. You know what's funny? My cat is no longer interested in scratching the armoire!
I like the rustic look of the jute side panels.

For family craft projects check out: Easy Crafts on A Budget for Kids 4 to 104

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Handmade Leather Cell Phone Case

I saw a photo online, of a leather cover for a cell phone. I have lots of leather scraps
left over from upholstery jobs, so I thought I'd try making a few. My first patterns
didn't fit together properly, so I made a few adjustments, until the envelope fitted the
phone. The second, third and fourth tries worked perfectly. The original pattern
used an awl to punch holes in the leather, then hand sew, so that the envelope looks
like it was stitched. I have an upholstery sewing machine, so I stitched the sides
by machine. I also added a liner for the inside of the envelope.

It's still a work in progress as far as the pattern goes. Try it!

What you need:
piece of paper for pattern
a piece of leather about 6 inches wide by 15 inches long.
leather glue (I used Instant Vinyl but you can also get E6000)
scissors
heat n' bond thermal fusion 6 x 15 inches
a piece of fabric for the inside 6 x 15 inches
iron
masking tape

How to make it:
1. Draw your pattern on news print, or a large piece of white paper & cut out.
2. Stitch the edges of the leather all the way around, about 1/4 of an inch in.
    If you don't have a heavy duty sewing machine, you can either punch out
    holes with an awl or ice pick, and hand stitch.
3.Trace around the pattern, onto the backside of a piece of leather & cut out.
4. Press Heat n Bond onto the wrong side of your fabric
5. Trace the envelope pattern onto the front side of your fabric, and cut out.
6. Trim the edges of the fabric about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.
7. Place the fabric next to the back side of the leather envelope. Trim where needed,
    then peel the paper backing off, and press onto the wrong side of the leather.
8. Let cool.
9. Fold the bottom flap up, then fold the two sides in, and glue the edges
    of the two sides, onto the bottom flap. Hold in place with your fingers,
    and/or wrap with masking tape for 30 minutes to hold in place while glue dries.

Not only is this an easy craft. It makes a great gift!


Pattern is traced onto wrong side of leather. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix.


Stitching added around edges. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix.


Fabric is pressed to wrong side of leather. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix.


Taped while glue dries. Copyright c. 2013. Fuego Phoenix

For fun craft project ideas check out Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104