How To Make a Rosie Wrap Head Band

Rosie wrap, tie up rockabilly headband, dolly bow… whatever you want to call it, this is a super duper easy and quick sewing project. This would be a perfect tutorial to start with if you’re new to sewing.howtorosie1

I made mine in a pretty pink floral print, inspired by the trends featured in the spring crafting inspiration site from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. To celebrate National Sewing and Craft month, Jo-Ann is offering a $5 off coupon on any $25 purchase! Click here for the coupon.

I’ll also show you how to make different widths for a slightly different look. Here’s a wider version, which I think looks a little more like the shape of Rosie the Riveter’s actual wrap:

howtorosiewrap2Heh. Okay, let’s get started. Below is the video version of this tutorial, but after that there’s also a photo/text version so you can go at your own pace.

rosievidPhoto tutorial:

Read more…

How To Make a Fabric Gift Bow

What better way to get #fabulouslyfestive than to festoon yourself (and others) with bows?
gift_bow_tutorial_fabric
This bow would make a great topper for a gift since it’s the classic gift bow design… but the bonus is that since it’s made from fabric, it can double as a hair bow, brooch, or bracelet!
 
Of course you can use the same procedure for making a bow out of ribbon, fancy paper, or go the upcycled route and use some old magazine or newspaper pages!
gift_bow_tutorial_fabric_02Step 1
Here’s what you need:
  • fabric (or paper or ribbon) cut into 3/4″ strips
    • three strips measuring 8.5″ long
    • three strips measuring 7.5″ long
    • two strips measuring 6.5″ long
    • one strip measuring 2″ long
  • 2″ square piece of felt
  • high temp glue gun
  • scissors
  • (optional) brooch clip, head band, hair clip, or bobby pin
When it comes to choosing fabric, you can use woven or knits. Woven fabrics will tend to fray, so keep that in mind. Lighter weight fabrics may need a layer of fusible interfacing so they don’t wind up too floppy- this may also help prevent fraying.
I’m using a scrap of holographic foil printed spandex for mine.
 
If you have a rotary cutter, it will make cutting the strips much easier than scissors.Read more…

How to Make a Halloween Tree

Tree decorating doesn’t just have to be for Christmas! Here’s how you can make a creepy Halloween tree of your own.

halloween_tree_tutorial_how_toCostumed cat ornaments by KilkennycatArt.
Pumpkin teapot by baumanstoneware.

Step 1
Gather your supplies!

You’ll need:

  • A bucket or vase
  • Twigs and sticks
  • Floral foam (for straight sided vessels) or styrofoam packing peanuts (for a bucket like mine, where the hole on top is smaller than the width of the bucket)
  • Craft foam sheet (you can skip this if you have  a straight sided vessel)
  • Optional: spraypaint

When choosing sticks, think about where you’re going to put your tree and how much room you have. If you have a large area, you could do one big branch. I went with 6 smaller branches. I gauged the right size by putting a few in my bucket.Read more…