Posts Tagged ‘crafts’

Tutorial: Color-block Necklace

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Here’s another necklace that I’ve had for some time, but have failed to share with you.

Two houses ago I was experimenting with leather and made this on a whim. It’s a huge statement piece that I don’t wear very often, but when I do it’s always fun.

Have you noticed how the color-blocked craze has hit the world? Everything is color blocked these days. Not sure I see this trend going anywhere any time soon. Here are some great DIY color-blocked and wrapped projects from around the web:

Color-Blocked Driftwood HangerColor Blocked Bangle • Antler Shed Coat Rack • Wrapped Antler Mobile • Wrapped Letters

Get started on the tutorial after the jump.

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Vacation Crafts

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Despite the spotty weather we’ve had recently, the kiddos have managed to have a lot of fun (adults included).

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My dad came prepared to entertain the little cousins with leather crafts, marshmallow shooters and water balloons.

Penelope, Chris and I had quite a bit of fun decorating leather bracelets. Chris and I went for the geometric approach and Penelope went for an aquatic theme (not that you can tell).

Now that I think about it, we should have made one for baby Felix. I think he would’ve liked a little fishy very much.

Last-Minute Mother’s Day Ideas

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Here are some (self-proclaimed) great ideas for last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas

What will you be doing for your mother for Mother’s day? I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to!

DIY Stamp Set Tutorial

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We had a great weekend around here and I hope you did, too. We didn’t do much, besides hanging out with family. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have been in town; Brookie came up here for the Fencing Junior olympics. We took advantage of the family in town and celebrated Felix’s FIRST birthday with a party on Sunday. I’ll share details with you tomorrow.

For now, I’d like to show you a little detail (and tutorial) on how I did the polka dots on Penelope’s Valentine’s treats. I really like what Joke did with her confetti cups on Oh Happy Day, but I didn’t have the time or motivation to go out and get a stamp, so I made do with what I had on hand.

Above is the stamp I made for Penelope’s Valentine’s. I didn’t have wood or rubber on hand, so I just made do, and you can too!

Learn how to make your own stamps (for almost nothing) after the jump!

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Gifts for Guys – iPhone Case 3.0

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It’s been really tough getting back into the blogging swing of things. Like, really hard. All I want to do once I put Penelope down for a nap, is nap! I practically get anxiety attacks when I go down to my studio, it’s that unorganized.

Even thoughts of quitting blogging have crossed my mind. *gasp*

I know I’d shrivel up & die if I did that.

This is a great gift (especially if you know that the giftee is getting a new phone or iPod touch!) for Christmas regardless of age. I’ve included an additional pattern piece to make the phone double as a wallet. When gifting, stick an iTunes gift card in there for added awesomeness.

This was originally posted over at Kojo Designs for Gifts for Guys series, but I’m moving it over here.
This tutorial can easily be adapted to be used with industrial felt or vinyl. If you’d like to go a cheaper/also eco-friendly route, head on over to an upholstery shop & ask for leather scraps. Oftentimes they’ll have scraps large enough for this kind of project. They can’t do anything with those scraps & usually discard them. Let’s get started!!

• S U P P L I E S •
  • leather/felt
  • scissors
  • pattern
  • thread + needle
  • clear tape
  • awl
  • hammer

Print the attached pattern & cut out. Tape generously to the wrong side of the leather.

Punch while patterns are taped using the hammer and an awl. You’ll want to be sure to do this over a scrap of wood.

Should look like this on the right side of the leather.

Once holes are punched, cut out pattern pieces from the leather and match up. I flipped the leather inside out for the pocket for variation.

Thread your needle with thick thread (I used waxed linen thread). Sew between the two layers on the first hole and leave a 2-3 inch tail.

Sew in and out through each hole all the way around. Double back.

Once you get back to the start point, tie a square knot between the layers of leather. Trim ends and tuck between the leather.

With scissors or a rotary cutter & ruler, trim down edges to desired width. I like mine at about a quarter of an inch.

Give to a manly guy!

Click the download button below to download the printer-friendly version of this tutorial & the pattern pieces. 

This tutorial/freebie is free for personal use and should not be distributed/republished without my consent. Altering the file NOT ALLOWED. If you would like to use this tutorial for commercial purposes, please email me. Thanks!

It’s super easy & I’ll bet you’ll have one finished within the hour!

You’ll be surprised that this case fits a myriad of electronics. It works for the iPhone 3G – 4s. It works on the touch & would be surprisingly compatible with a few other smart phones. It’s one of those simple patterns that could be easily adjusted for you!

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