make it monday – Page 10 – the long thread

March 9, 2009March 9, 2009

Loose Ends

childs-artwork-tote-bag

The weather has been lovely here, so I haven’t been spending much time on the computer or the sewing machine.

But I finally updated last week’s post with the instructions for making these tote bags with your child’s artwork. We sold all of our bags, so I made one more today from these instructions. I didn’t explain how to transfer your child’s work to fabric, but there are a number of ways you can do it — embroidery, iron-on transfers, printable fabric, fabric markers, etc. The instructions are for a small, lined tote bag, but you could increase the dimensions and make a larger version. I used heavy-weight twill tape for the straps, but you could make your own straps with contrasting fabric.

And the winner of the Custom Softie Giveaway was Sora, so look for another giveaway later this week!

March 9, 2009

Grid Painting

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Here’s a project that my six-year-old wanted to try after thinking about this painting that was made by her Daddy. Can you tell that this is a ladybug?

We used a piece of printable canvas and acrylic paints since that’s what we had on hand. She drew the ladybug with pencil, then I left the room to look for a ruler. When I came back, she had drawn her own grid. Well, OK! You could make the squares as small or as large as you want them. I asked her to paint one square at a time and leave some space around the edges, but she took it from there. She had a couple of spots that she painted the wrong color, but since we were using acrylic paint we let the paint dry and she painted over them. I think she made some interesting art and managed to use both sides of her brain in the process.

grid-painting-steps

March 2, 2009March 9, 2009

Child’s Artwork Tote Bag

make-it-monday

tote-bag

Do more with your child’s artwork! I used my embroidery machine to sew my daughter’s drawing onto the fabric, but you could transfer your child’s design and hand embroider, print on fusible paper or printable fabric, have your child draw with fabric markers, or a number of other options. We use tote bags frequently and I thought it would be nice to have a pint sized version. They can haul their own snacks to the park, carry home groceries, or tote a change of clothes.

Here is the tutorial for the bag: childs-artwork-tote-bag. The pocket method that I used is a bit different from the version pictured above and the pocket is smaller (6″x6″ finished size). Also, I did not include specific instructions about creating the drawing on the pocket, but you could use any of the methods mentioned above. So this is a versatile tote bag pattern that you could edit in many ways.

February 24, 2009February 24, 2009

Crooked Coasters

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A day late, but here’s a tutorial for some crooked coasters. Do you like to sew? And sew and sew? I found these very relaxing to make. I used linen for these, which made them extra wonky.

Click on photo below to view the .pdf file with instructions.

Oh, and by the way — you might have noticed some changes around here. In addition to the new look, there are a lot more links to other sites and crafty tutorials. Browse through the categories on the left. I’ll be adding to these regularly and have lots more kids’ crafts to add. And let me know what you think!

February 9, 2009January 20, 2011

Printable Valentines

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lovebirds-card

Attention last-minute crafters: If you or your kid is just not in the crafty Valentine’s Day spirit, here are some quick printable cards. Yep, the lovebirds design again. Just print on card stock, cut and go. I made a space at the bottom for the kid’s name.