I had another TV appearance today (welcome GTU viewers!) and wanted to share the segment in case you missed it, or were interested in learning how to make this easy craft. I got so many comments on my headband after the show, and I’m pretty pleased with it myself. So … enjoy!
Please excuse this break in my coverage of the baby sister‘s graduation week, but I got a call from my producer at ABC yesterday asking if I would come in this morning to do a segment. They had a last minute cancellation and needed to fill the slot with “something great.” Que: Me! Well. Que my really great craft. I feel more like a blundering fool every time I’m on TV. But oh well! It’s fun.
So welcome to any new readers who found me via Good Things Utah! I’m Krista, a photographer, writer, and sometimes publicist/marketer. This site is where I share my pictures and words. Sometimes it’s about my work. Sometimes it’s a craft. Sometimes it’s about my roommate or my family. Sometimes it’s about my dating life (haha, jk. Those posts, like, never happen. But when they do … they’re pretty great.). Sometimes it’s my thoughts on my faith. And always it’s me trying to make sense of this life I’m living.
Today–it’s about how you can make your own Crocheted Lace Bib Necklace.
I made these necklaces to give as favors at the bridal shower I hostessed for my baby sister last week (more on that soon!). They are seriously so easy and take maybe 30 minutes to make. I’ve decided to give a few away, so you can enter to win one by signing up on the email list over there on the right column. I’ll draw three names Friday morning–right before I give my total attention to the day-long coverage of the Royal Wedding (Is anyone else as excited as I am?! Gaah!).
But if you just want to DIY…here’s how:
Supplies // 1 crocheted lace doily . 1 necklace clasp . 1″ wide strip of cotton fabric (1/2″ longer the center width of the doily) . 14″ of necklace chain . Needle n’ Thread . Iron . Scissors . Sewing Machine (optional)
1 // Begin with a small crocheted lace doily.
2 // Cut the doily across the center.
3 // Cut a strip of cotton fabric 1″ wide and 1/2″ longer than the width of your doily.
4 // Fold sides of fabric strip in about 1/4″ and iron. Then fold strip in half lengthwise and iron again.
5 // Place the unfinished edge of the doily inside the folded fabric strip. Pin in place if needed.
6 // Sew along fabric strip edge, being sure to catch the doily in your stitches. (Can be hand or machine sewn.)
7 // Hand-stitch 7″ of necklace chain to each side of “bib.”
8 // Attach necklace clasp to ends of chain. (May require jump rings depending on sizes of chain links and clasp.)
All done! Easy right?! Lemme know if you have any questions!
And don’t forget to enter to win one by signing up on the email list over there (on the right near the top).
Good Morning! I’m back from my weekend in Arizona but I am seriously missin’ that squishy little niece of mine …
For any new readers, my family’s very first grandchild (i.e. my first niece) was born two weeks ago and oh, gracious. She is delectable. Her name is Laela Carolina (isn’t that the cutest?!) and We. Love. Her. A. Lot. You can see pictures of her here. Do it. Follow the link. Seriously. You know you want to. (I never thought I’d be “that” kind of an auntie … but I am. Unabashedly. I am.)
But OK, enough about Little Laela Lou (maybe). You’re here for the tutorials right? Some say garlands have been way over-done. And it’s true. They have. But I still love them. They’re such a fun, bold, whimsical way to decorate for any holiday, party, dinner, or special event. They take your decorations to a whole new level, lifting the eye and completing a look. (And they’re usually so easy!)
So. For instructions on the felt polka-dot/heart garland, click here. Oh! And before I forget, I mentioned on air today that on Feb.1 (one week from today) I’ll be emailing a free e-book to my mailing list subscribers, chock-full of Valentine’s Day crafts and ideas. So if you want to get that free e-book, fill out the form below.
Now. Onto the Valentine’s Day Flag Bunting … 
Supplies: fabric (mix it up–go with a modge podge of designs and colors!) . scissors . double fold bias tape . sewing machine & thread Steps:
Variations:
So there you have it. Two really simple, totally cute Valentine’s Day garlands. And don’t forget … for more crafts and ideas, sign up for the free e-book. xo!
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Hey all. Good Morning and Happy New Year! I know I’m like a whole week late on that, but it’s been busy ’round these parts. I’ve been cleaning and clearing and decluttering and goal setting and trying my darndest to help make this year a heaping lot better than last. So far, so good.
So. If you’re finding me through Good Things Utah … thanks for coming! I’m so glad you stopped by. Feel free to take your time and look around, sign up for the post feed, or check out some of my other DIY tutorials and crafty ideas. Or you could browse through my photos or favorite posts. If you’re interested in getting the patterns for the other projects featured in today’s segment, just sign up on the mailing list (over there on the right) and an email will be sent out next week with all the instructions.
OH! And if you would like to purchase any of the fleece flower pin embellishments featured on today’s projects, they’re on sale in the shop for a squealin’ deal. Seriously. Squealin’. And they look so stinkin’ cute on hats, sweaters, handbags, headbands, etc. You can totally change it up!
Click Here for the :: Orange Flower Set . Blue Flower Set . Large Single Purple Flower
p.s. a little bird told me there are some really great illustrations (1 & 2) for sale in that shop too. And a custom pendant that was featured in Nie Nie’s Handmade Christmas Gift Guide. You should check those out too.
Now. On to the Easy Fleecey Mittens!
Supplies
A piece of fleece (needs to be big enough to cut 4 pieces that are slightly larger than the wearers hand), sewing machine, thread, embellishments (optional)
Steps
1. Trace your hand (with fingers closed and thumb extended) onto a piece of paper.
2. Use the traced hand as a guide to draw your pattern. Be sure to leave 1/4″ around all sides for the seam and about 1″ at the bottom so that it extends past the wrist when worn. *Also be sure that the opening is large enough to slide a hand in.
3. Cut out 4 pieces of fleece, using the pattern you just made.
4. With wrong sides together, pin 2 fleece pieces together and sew around the edge, leaving the hand opening open.
5. Fold the opening down (towards inside of mitten) 1/4″ and sew close to edge.
6. Turn right side out.
7. Embellish and enjoy!
*Optional step: If the wrist opening is too large and drafty, you can easily add a piece of elastic. Simply increase the fold over in Step 5 to a 1/2″. Sew close to edge, but leave a 1″ opening to insert elastic (cut to wrist size). Sew ends of elastic together and then sew the 1″ opening in seam closed).
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Good Morning! If you’re finding me through Good Things Utah … Welcome! My site is a mixture of life, photography, creativity, and faith. If you’re interested, you can sign up on the mailing list (over there on the right) if you’d like to receive periodic emails with new ideas, tutorials, recipes, and sale coupons. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and the RSS feed here.
Today I demonstrated how to make these darling rolled fabric rosettes. They are so easy and quick! And once you get the hang of it, you can create dozens to adorn headbands, winter coats, earrings, clothing, pillows … anything!
And if you don’t want to make them yourself, visit the shop where all rosette accessories are 30% off through the end of the year (discount refunded after purchase).
Here’s how:
Supplies
fabric of any style, fabric glue, scissors
Instructions
1. Cut a strip of fabric measuring 1.5″ wide and about 2′ long. Adjust this depending on the size of rosette you wish to make. i.e. make the fabric strip thinner and shorter for a tiny rosette or fatter and longer for a large rosette.
2. Tie a knot in one end of fabric strip.
3. While holding the knot in one hand, dab a line of glue on outer edge (of knot) and wrap the fabric strip around the knot, twisting the fabric every so often, and securing it to the glue.
4. Continue in this manner until about 1″ of the strip is left.
5. Glue end of strip to underside of rosette.
All done! Now just glue it to a pin back or headband and you’ve got a brand new, trendy accessory!
Good Morning! I’ll be on Good Things Utah today at 10 a.m. (ABC4–Salt Lake City) demonstrating an idea for neighbor Christmas gifts — Flannel Heating Bags.
If you’re finding me through GTU … Welcome! Grab a cup of cocoa and browse around a while. My blog is a big ‘ol mishmash of crafting, photography, life, and faith. If you’d like to be on the mailing list, you can sign up over there on the right. I send out a periodic email with extra ideas, thoughts, and tidbits that you can’t get here on the site. You can also find me on Facebook. p.s. I’m really glad you’re here.
So … the flannel bags. They’re inexpensive and can be easily made in all different shapes and sizes. Plus, it’s a gift your neighbors can enjoy beyond the holiday season. Here’s the simple tutorial.
Supplies
Fabric (flannel or heavy cottons work best) . uncooked rice . herbal tea bags (chamomile or peppermint) . sewing machine & thread
Steps
1. Cut two pieces of fabric in the size/shape you want.
Soothing eye pack: 4 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
Mini hand warmers: 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
Relaxing neck wrap: 6″ x 18″
Bed Bag: 9″ x 13″
2. With right sides together, sew 1/2″ seam around all four sides, leaving a 3 to 4″ opening for turning.
3. Turn right-side-out and fill 1/2 to 3/4 full with uncooked rice.
4. Cut open a few tea bags and pour into bag with rice. *Note: Do not use lavender as lavender will burn in the microwave.
5. Turn open seam in, pin together and top stitch the opening closed.
6. Move the bag back and forth between your hands to evenly mix the tea and rice together.
7. Tie with a ribbon and instruction card for gifting.
*Instruction Card
To enjoy this soothing heating bag, simply place in microwave and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful with heated bag. Do not place directly on skin if too hot. Heat longer or shorter if needed. Reheat as many times as you like.
I love cloth napkins. Love them. And I plan to use them for all my family meals. You know … as soon as I have a family to cook meals for. But that’s beside the point. The point, is cloth napkins. In my opinion, they make table settings look extra lovely. Which should always be the goal. Lovely meals. Lovely presentations. Lovely time spent together around the table.
Plus, using them means less paper waste in the landfills. And it’s so easy to just toss them in with the loads of laundry you already have to do. It really takes no extra effort to use cloth napkins.
OK. I’m off my soap box now. Here’s how to make your own so that you can customize your tablescape to the desired look you want. They’re SO easy!
Cloth Napkins
(makes 4 napkins)
Supplies
1 1/4 yards of fabric (44/45″ wide) . scissors or rotary cutter . sewing machine . thread . iron
Steps
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Matching Yo-Yo Napkin Rings
(makes about 7 rings)
Supplies
1 foot of coordinating fabric (44/45″ wide) . scissors or rotary cutter . sewing machine . needle . thread . matching button or bead . fabric glue
Steps
Oh good morning! And welcome to any new visitors who found me through Good Things Utah. You GTU viewers are just the greatest! Please sit and stay awhile. Browse around, sign up for the RSS feed here, join the newsletter list over there on the right (I’m working on some fantastic Halloween tutorials just for the list!), or find me on Facebook and Twitter. Oh and if you’d like to come to a sa-weet (!) ladies dinner at my house, check this post out.
Now on to the tutorial!
Repurposing is all the rage these days. And what better way to repurpose an old placemat, than to turn it into a chic clutch that looks like it came straight out of the hippest boutique?! Yep. You heard me. Placemat to boutique chic clutch. Here’s how …
Chic Clutch a la Placemat
Supplies:
1 placemat (in good condition), fabric for lining, foam sheet, tape measure, rotary cutter and mat (or scissors and flat surface), magnetic clasp, 1″ x 1″ piece of med. to heavy weight interfacing, embellishments (like lace, ribbon, flowers, etc.), sewing maching, thread, fabric glue
Instructions:
1. Cut lining fabric to exact same size as the placemat. (A placemat measuring 16 1/2″ x 12″ was used for this tutorial. Measurements may need to be modified to scale based on size of placemat being used.)
2. On the right side of the placemat, centered between sides, and 4″ from bottom edge, attach back-side of magnetic clasp.
(front)
(back)
3. On the wrong side of the lining, centered between sides, and 1/2″ from top edge, iron interfacing square (remember: tacky side down). Turn lining over so right side is facing up. Center magnetic clasp on interfacing square, and attach.
4. Place lining and placemat right-sides together (the magnetic clasp back should be at the bottom, & magnetic clasp front should be at the top). Pin sides and bottom and sew 1/4″ seam along sides and bottom, leaving top edge open.
5. Turn right-side-out and iron seam flat.
6. Cut two pieces of foam sheet measuring 5 1/4″ x 12″, and one piece measuring 4 1/2″ x 12″.
7. Insert one of the 5 1/4″ x 12″ sheets into the clutch, slide to bottom. Secure tightly with pins. Sew a seam along the open edge of the foam (width-wise) to secure hold.
8. Insert the second 5 1/4″ x 12″ piece of foam sheet. Secure open edge with pins. Sew a seam along the open edge of the foam (width-wise) to secure hold.
9. Insert the 4 1/2″ x 12″ piece of foam into the top of clutch. Secure with pins and sew along top edge. (You do not have to turn raw edges under.)
10. With clutch on a flat surface, placemat side down, fold up bottom third at seam line in-between the two lower foam pieces. Due to the thickness of the foam, pinning is difficult, so with a tight hold on the edges (keeping them lined up) sew from top to bottom as close to edge as possible to close clutch sides.
11. Cut a coordinating piece of ribbon (you could also use seam or quilt binding) 2 inches longer than the width of the clutch.
12. Fold in half, lengthwise and iron.
13. Encase ribbon along raw top edge of clutch and glue in place, wrapping sides under before gluing the underside.
14. Embellish the clutch as desired.
15. Never tell a soul that your chic new clutch used to be a placemat!
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I’m currently in the planning phase for a redecoration of my studio and some of the items that need to be updated are my lamps. But since I’m a girl on a budget and since I love DIY projects, I decided to simply recover the shades myself. Here’s how I did it!
Supplies: lampshade * butcher/news/wrapping paper * pencil * spray adhesive * fabric * scissors * iron * glue gun/fabric glue * decorative trims/accessories (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make your pattern. Spread your paper out on a table or other flat surface. Place lampshade on top with the seam down. Holding the pencil next to the top edge at the seam line, roll shade across paper to create a continuous, curved line. Stop once your pencil has returned to the seam line.
2. Return shade to starting position and repeat, but put pencil next to the bottom edge of the shade. Use a ruler to connect the top and bottom end points.
3. Cut out your pattern and place on top of fabric. Cut out fabric, using pattern as a guide, but add 1/2 inch seam allowance to all sides. Remove the pattern from the fabric and iron the straight edges under 1/2 inch.
4. Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive and attach to the old lampshade. Smooth wrinkles. The adhesive will be tacky for a bit so you have time to readjust. Finish by overlapping the raw edge with the ironed edge. Fold top and bottom under and pinch to adhere.
5. Add decorative trims or other accessories (with your hot glue gun or fabric adhesive) to spruce it up!
Easy huh?! Let me know if you have any questions!
***Watch a video demonstration of this project HERE***
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If you missed the show this morning, here’s the video! Enjoy!
Other helpful links:
1. Don’t want to take the time to make them yourself? Just buy ‘em! I’m happy to do the dirty work. Click Here.
2. Step-by-step directions for this tutorial with photos
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Sign up on the email list –> over there on the right, near the top.
The most popular item at Island Belle Boutique is by far the silk poppy hair accessories. They’re flirty, feminine, and subtle. Needless to say I wear them all the time … like every day practically. And today, because I’m nice, because I’m especially happy these days, and because the snow has melted (hallelujah!), I’m going to share my trade secret of how to make them today. Once you understand the basic steps of how to create these fabric flowers, you can use them anywhere. They make great gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, favors for your luncheons and/or showers, and accessories for yourself (!), friends, and daughters.
And if you’re thinking, “I LOVE these flowers and totally need some, but I SO don’t want to take the time to make my own,” just
the silk flower line at Island Belle Boutique.
Supplies: Light-weight silk fabric * Scissors * Candle & Matches * Needle & Thread * Beads / Buttons / Pearls / etc. for the center of your flower (it’s up to you!)
Steps
1. Cut circles of varying sizes from your silk (they don’t have to be perfect!)
2. Light candle and singe the edges of your circles. You don’t need to put the fabric directly in the flame. It will melt and seal the edge just by being in close proximity to the flame.
3. Stack circles (your petals) according to your own personal preference. You can make them lopsided or perfectly spaced, sparse or extra full. Just add your own style!
4. Insert needle and thread up through the bottom of flower, thread button or bead onto the needle and insert the needle back down through the flower. Repeat this process until you have sewn on all your beads or buttons. I always recommend using odd numbers for beads, buttons, or pearls.
5. Once you’ve sewn on your last bead, knot the thread at the bottom/base of your flower. All done!
You can now attach it (with fabric glue or more stitching) to a headband
or a hair pin,
on a purse,
on a shirt,
or even on a lapel pin (for a modern take on the ever-classy corsage).
You could even add these flowers to bracelets, shoe clips, ribbon belts, skirts, throw pillows, bed skirts, napkin rings, garlands, and more!
To see this tutorial demonstrated CLICK HERE for my appearance on Salt Lake City’s morning show, Good Things Utah.
Variations:
1. Use cotton fabric instead of silk. Just skip the step where you singe the edges and let the fabric fray slightly.
2. Use different colors for each layer of the petals.
3. Add tulle between the petal layers.
4. Spray with adhesive glue and sprinkle glitter for a little glam.
5. Add feathers.
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Hello and happy Monday! If you missed my segment on Good Things Utah last Friday, here is the video. Enjoy!
(and here are the step-by-step instructions with photos)
