Thursday, December 31, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Tea Bag Wallet

Any tea lover would adore one of these!

Tea Bag Wallet Tutorial at Rad Linc Crafts
"I have a friend that takes tea bags with her everywhere. When we go out to eat, she just orders hot water..." Read more

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Tip - How to Get Rid of Heart Burn - Naturally

How about a nice tip today instead of a tutorial? Sounds like it could come in handy!

Get Rid of Heart Burn - Naturally Tip at Captive Creativity
"Now I never get heart burn. I can eat the worst thing for me; totally greasy and gross, but not be affected at all but now I could eat a salad and get heart burn, it was the weirdest thing!..." Read more

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make Bird Seed Cake

I love doing things like this! It's also a nice lesson for the kids. Who doesn't love watching the birds in the backyard and helping our feathered friends?


Bird Seed Cake Tutorial at Precious Little Birdy

"Now that we're into December its time to start thinking about giving the birds a helping hand. This may sound a little bit melodramatic, but it can be a matter of life and death for small garden birds if they don't get a feed at the right time...." Read more

Monday, December 28, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a No-Sew Fabric Bunting

So easy and totally cute!

No-Sew Fabric Bunting Tutorial at bright and blithe
"I’ve been quite smitten with all the colorful buntings that seem to be popping up everywhere. It’s such a fun way to add a splash of color. Only problem is that even though I love sewing as much as the next person, my time at the machine is very limited. Still, I wanted a cloth bunting for her “big girl room”. Paper just would not do so I put my thinking cap on and came up with an alternative..." Read more

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Little Girl's Jumper

Isn't that (and she) just the cutest? I could never sew anything like that. So impressive!

Little Girl's Jumper Tutorial at Little Girl Pearl
"I love the traditional look of this jumper. It has a simple design that I enhanced with a little piping and some well placed buttons. I chose black watch plaid on the cream flannel so that it would pop. This dress has growth pleats to which I added tartan ribbon..." Read more

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Knitting Pattern - How to Make Fingerless Gloves

A fun accessory! If you knit, you could whip up a pair in no time.

Knit Fingerless Gloves Tutorial at Golden Bird Knits
"These fingerless gloves are knit in a square shape and then seamed up one side, leaving a hole for the thumb. The pattern is suitable for beginners and the gloves are a medium adult size..." Read more

Friday, December 25, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make an Embroidered Iron On Applique

What a great way to embellish anyone's clothes!

Embroidered Iron On Applique Tutorial at Confetti
"Once upon a time Zurich didn't have a coat. Oh, he had jackets and sweaters, but not a coat to be found. A kind cousin passed along one for him. It was great, and fit perfect. However, Zurich wasn't having it. I couldn't get him to wear it for anything..." Read more

Merry Christmas!

Shew! What a busy season, huh? I hope that like me, you're enjoying today with your families. Merry Christmas!

Thanks so much to all of you that have submitted your brilliant tutorials and to all of those that read them!

In a few days I'll start getting my "Exchange Program" - Free Supplies for Tutorials, back up and running. It was such a success! We've had some amazing supplies offered and have received some unbelievable tutorials as a result. The exposure for the supply shops and the tutorial creators has been terrific also.

If you have an online supply shop, please consider participating. If you love to create tutorials, please keep checking back for the first exchanges of 2010!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Recipe - How to Make Chocolate Milk Sticks

Chocolate and herbs on a stick then dipped in milk? How have I gone through my life with never having heard of such a thing? Sounds like a party!

Chocolate Milk Sticks Tutorial at Marta and the...
"A long long time ago I promised you a tutorial on how to make your own chocolate milk sticks! I finally made some today during daylight, so now I can show you how to make them..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Blanket or Quilt Binding

You know, the binding could actually be the star of a handmade blanket!

Make Your Own Binding Tutorial at The Bothered Owl
"The first step is to choose your fabric. You want something that will make a coherent whole with your blanket or quilt’s colours and patterns. Contrast is good, clash is bad..." Read more

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Scripture / Bible Bag

So lovely and practical!

Scripture / Bible Bag Tutorial at
The Prudent Homemaker

"Make a bag for your scriptures! This bag will fit a standard LDS quad, or both a Bible and a triple combination. If your scriptures are a different size (or if you're using this tutorial for something else completely, like a purse) you can change the measurements to the size you need and still follow the same directions..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Christmas Bell Pull

The burlap webbing has a great, Christmasy look!

Linen Vintage Look Bell Pull Tutorial at GreenHoneyHive
"This bell pull is any easy beginner level project. It takes no more than 45 minutes to 1 hr tops to complete a pair of these. They look great displayed on double front doors, one on each. They also look great on either side of a mantel or just on each door of your home..." Read more

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Small Envelope

This is a handy little trick to have up your sleeve when needed.

Christmas Envelope Tutorial at Amanda's Musings
"The other day I needed to make a quick envelope to go with some gifts and was about to look up a tutorial for it when I thought, surely it can’t be that hard to make. After a little thinking this is what I came up with..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Pajama Pants

If you really hurry, you can whip up a few of these adorable PJ pants just in time for Christmas! Dare I suggest matching pairs for every member of the family? :)

Pajama Pants Tutorial at Pickup Some Creativity
"Every Christmas Eve, we give our children special PJs to wear that night. This year, I've made a pair for each of them, using this same method..." Read more

Monday, December 21, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Pointsettia in Silk Ribbon Embroidery

So very pretty!

Pointsettia in Silk Ribbon Embroidery Tutorial at Silk Ribbon Embroidery
"Add the gold seed beads in the centre. And for a little more sparkle I have added a Fly Stitch in the gold metallic thread around the petals..." Read more

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Recipe - How to Make Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Candy Cane Whoopie Pies

Mint + Chocolate = Christmas. Oh yeah!

Holiday Baking Recipes at Sumo's Sweet Stuff
"I finally got all of my holiday baking and goodie making done! I am happy with what I put together for our friends and neighbors this year. Here's what I made..." Read more

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Felt Flower Hair Clip

So sweet! You could make one to go with every cute, little outfit!

Felt Flower Hair Clip Tutorial at A Hoot and a Holler
"This project is so simple. It's a great way to stuff a stocking or embellish a gift wrapped for a little girl..." Read more

Friday, December 18, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Product Catalog

Brilliant use of those cute minicards from Moo!

Product Catalog Tutorial at Glitzer Ideas
"You have great products, fabulous ideas - why not show them off! Here's a novel idea of a product catalog that has been used to promote the Fall / Winter 2009 jewelry collection at Glitzer..." Read more

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Sleepy Cat Tea Cozy

I love the look of redwork on linen. That cat is adorable!

Sleepy Cat Tea Cosy Tutorial at Bustle and Sew
"But ideas are just tumbling out of my head .... and here's another tutorial which would make a great Christmas gift .... the Sleepy Cat Tea Cosy. It's really simple to make, there are only 3 varieties of stitch in the embroidery and I think the cat is irresistible..." Read more

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Fabric Scarflette

So unique! I usually see scarflettes made of yarn. This is a fun and beautiful alternative!


My Little Scarflette Tutorial at Look Ma No Patterns

"to satisfy my need to make a scarf, and a tutorial, I made myself a scarflette...and a tutorial..." Read more

Recipe - How to Make Reindeer Nose Candy

I don't think it can get easier than this! They look delicious!

Reindeer Nose Candy Recipe at June Pfaff Daley
"I won't lie to you. I do make a ridiculous amount of candy this time of year, some types more involved than others. The more complicated varieties come together when the elves are at school or in bed to avoid holidaycandymakingstress, a real condition. This however, is an easy recipe for delicious candy treats that even preschool elves can make by your side. Around here we call them reindeer noses..." Read more

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Kitschy Christmas Stocking

I love the retro look to these!


Your Kitschy X-mas Stocking Tutorial at Look Ma No Patterns

"I loved this project, because all I needed was a simple pattern, and I was able to embellish it in any way that I wanted. I'm showing you how I made mine, but you are able to make it your own in so many ways.
I took this as an opportunity to go nuts, and use all of my favorite things. Topstitching, ric-rack, pom poms, applique, gingham, and my favorite color...red. Think of all the different things you can do. Think of trims, colors, fabric patterns. Go crazy..." Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Twig Christmas Ornaments

Decorations from nature are wonderful!

An Upcycled and Recycled Christmas with a Difference! Tutorial at Cool Mummy
"Christmas is such a magical time of year….and yes! I am indeed a sucker for Christmas. I love the lights, the decoration, the holiday cheer and the general sense of festivity and jolliness. but what I do love the most (apart from the pine getting stuck in your hair, socks and everything else), it is making our own eco friendly and 100% recycled decoration.
These little twig ornaments are gorgeous and look great around the house all year round, not just at xmas..." Read more

Monday, December 14, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Play Ice Cream Shop and Felt Ice Cream

You still have time to whip one of these up before Christmas! Too cute!

Play Ice Cream Shop Tutorial at Childhood 101
"I don't know if you have ever noticed the shopfronts that are built into children's climbing equipment at public playgrounds? They are usually underneath the high platform that the slide comes off. Anyway, when we visit our local playground, Immy enjoys playing ice cream shop (there is a story behind why based on her current favourite book but I will share that one another time!) We discuss what flavours are available, she takes my money (cents) and we enjoy a nice, cold (albeit imaginary) ice cream.
This wonderfully social, imaginary play led me to the recent construction of our next DIY Kids Project... I present to you, the Ice Cream Shop..." Read more

Be sure to check out Childhood 101's Felt Ice Cream Tutorial also.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Are you thinking that you already know how to make paper snowflakes? Well maybe not like these. These are so much prettier than any I've ever made! She folds them differently and the way she cuts makes quite a difference!

Paper Snowflakes Tutorial at kerliandanimals
"But since it is December finally, and Christmassy things are justified, I am going to show you how to make them. It's the way I was taught from a very early age and I have used snowflakes as Christmas decorations ever since, one way or the other..." Read more

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Paper Doilie Angel

She's so sweet!

Paper Doilie Angel Tutorial at ArtMind
"The other day I was looking at the pile of paper doilies and thought I could make some fun angels from them & string some doilies on a nylon thread to put in front of our window. A bit of holiday decoration without it being too traditional..." Read more

Friday, December 11, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Hand Print ChristmasTree

What kid wouldn't adore making one of these?

Hand Print ChristmasTree Tutorial at Smart-Bottom Enterprises
"When Peyton was almost 3 years old, I was ambitious and we made this hand print Christmas tree. And he loved it. Somehow I packed it away carefully every year. And it still looks great and he's always so happy when we bring it out. This year Ella is almost 4. We still hadn't made one for her, because somewhere along the line I lost the ambition that made me want to cut out 50,000 hand prints. But it was time for me to step up and do the right thing..." Read more

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make an Acorn Mushroom Ornament

Here's something different and you can find the supplies right outside. Cute!

Acorn Mushroom Ornament Tutorial at Lil Fish Studios News
"Here's an earthy little ornament project for you to try. The boys and I had fun making these up yesterday and wanted to share them with you..." Read more

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Christmas Ribbon Wreath

Call me crazy, but I found this video to be mesmerizing. Super cute wreath and looks like fun to make!

Christmas Ribbon Wreath Tutorial at Flower Foot Designs
" I think you'll be surprised at how easy these ribbon wreaths are to make. They can be made in different sizes and with different ribbon widths..." Read more

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a String of Felted Lights

So creative and beautiful!

Felted Light String Tutorial at ArtMind
"Today I finished off a project I started about 2 years ago. I bet you have those laying around somewhere too! Well at least I hope I'm not the only one who starts something and never finishes it! Anyway, I decided to finish it and make a few pics to show you how to do it..." Read more

Monday, December 7, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Hanging Acorn Frame

Very cute! I think it's nice to use natural elements in home decor.

Hanging Acorn Frame Tutorial at June Pfaff Daley
"My girls and I went for a fall walk the other day. Crunching under our feet were hundreds of little acorn hats. We stopped to inspect them closer, loving their tiny details...an absolutely gorgeous crafting material. We collected as many as our pockets could hold and brought them back to the studio for some acorn brainstorming. While my daughters dreamed up a family of acorn people, I worked to create an acorn frame with a hanger..." Read more

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make Wooden Clothespin Gift Tags

What a sweet idea. It'll add that special handmade touch to your gifts. The kids would love to help with this one!

Wooden Clothespin Gift Tags Tutorial at Rad Linc Crafts
"Here's another option for fancy homemade gift tags. It takes a bit more time to make than my fabric gift tags but it really brings out the individuality of each gift. With some precut wooden shapes from Michael's and some wooden clothespins, you have yourself some inexpensive and super easy wooden gift tags..." Read more

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make Abby Hair with Yarn

It doesn't need to be Halloween for the kids to enjoy a costume! So cute!

Magical Hair Tutorial at Magnolia Mom Creations
"So when we decided to dress Desi up as Abby, I went on a search for the perfect costume. I couldn’t find it. After a few days, I determined that I was just going to make it!
First I started with the hair. I thought that poms-poms would work best for the pig tales, or piggies as Desi calls them..." Read more

Friday, December 4, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make a Child's Tank Top from a Tote Bag

Now that's clever!

Child's Tank Top from a Tote Bag Tutorial at Get Your Craft On
"I saw these adorable little tote bags in the Dollar Spot at one of my favorite stores (yeah, you know the one) and although I don't need any more bags, I just couldn't pass them up! There has got to be something I could make with these, right? ..." Read more

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Tutorial - How to Make an Advent Calendar Using Recycled Materials

There's nothing like a handmade Advent Calendar! Love this one!

Advent Calendar Using Recycled Materials Tutorial at So Anyway
"As I mentioned in my last post, I've been toying with the idea of getting an advent calendar that can be used and re-used for years to come. There are any number of beautiful premade ones on the market, but I like to go the extra mile... (read: I like to do all the extra work. Well actually, I look at an idea and the the amount of work involved doesn't quite click in the head until I'm knee deep in the middle of it). In this case it was so worth the effort and I'm very happy I took on the project..." Read more

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Recipe - How to Make Homemade Apple Pie

My favorite dessert of all time! This recipe looks perfect!

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe at June Pfaff Daley
"Homemade apple pie is something I crave every fall...errrr actually I crave throughout the year, but even more so when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp. I've found the best apple pie is made with a combination of different apples for a variety of tastes in each slice. My favorite mix is Granny Smiths and Jonathans. I also prefer a crumb topping rather than a top crust..." Read more

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Crochet Pattern - Flower Refrigerator Magnet or Brooch

Very cute and fun to make, I'm sure!

Crochet Flower Fridgies at Salihan Crafts
"These cute crochet flowers are from my Missy Strawberry pattern but I would like to share them with you as a free pattern. I’ve turned them into fridge magnets and a brooch. It’s so simple and quick that you could whip them up for last minute thank you gifts for teachers or the party hostess..." Read more