Magazine Fashion Bead Necklace.

A simple beaded necklace project that I wouldn't actually mind getting for mother's day. I came across this project while I was student teaching at an elementary school.

1. Cut 8-10 inch long triangles an inch to an inch and a half wide from a gloss thicker magazine page. National geographic or Nordstrom fashion mailer booklet work really well. High quality print on a slightly thinker paper.

2. Run a thin strip of white glue lengthwise down the center of the triangle

3. Starting with the 1 1/2 inch side, roll the triangle up. For young kids have them roll the triangle around a pencil so they create a nice big hole for easy threading.

4. (Optional) glaze the beads with a thin coat of clear or translucent finger nail polish. I like clear with glitter. That way I can still see the colors of the paper and still have a little sparkle. You can also experiment with the with and length of the paper to make a different look.

5. Use yarn or dental floss to thread the beads. Tie the ends together when you reach the desired length.

How to make Jack Sparrow's tricorn pirate hat.

So your kids want a hat like Captain Jack Sparrow?

I wanted to learn how to make an authentic tricorn hat but the cost was just to high and the process to long.  but after doing so reading and looking up how to make different hats i came up with this.

The following is directions on how to make a tricorn hat from cheap materials that can be found at your local fabric store and even some wal-marts.

Materials

Felt (wool would be awesome but i just used the regular craft stuff)

White glue

water

scissors

bowl

needle and thread

ribbon or bias tape

rubber band

First measure your head circumference and find a bowl or a ball that has a slightly larger circumference.   This will be your hat form.   I used a bowl.

Next cut two pieces of felt that are large  enough to be pulled down over the hat form. Run the first piece of felt under the facet until it is soaked.  Stretch it over the hat form  and secure it with a rubber band.  Keep tugging on the felt until you get it as stretched as possible.  Let the cloth dry for a few hours.  It doesn’t have to be dry just make sure it’s not soaking.  You could seed up the process by putting it under a fan.

Next, cover the hat with glue and stretch a second layer of wet felt over the hat securing it with the same rubber band.  Let the hat dry completely.

Trim the hat to about an half inch below the rubber band.

to make the brim of the hat cut two large circles of felt.  then cut a hole in the center about a half an inch smaller in diameter than the hat for.

take the hat off the hat form and place it on top on one of the circles centered above the hole.  Put the other circle on top of the hat and gently pull it down.  Stitch the two circles together at the opening, catching the hat in the middle.

Glue the to circles together forming the brim of hat.  Pin the ribbon or bias tape along the edge hat and sew. (I think bias tape would work better.)

If the brim of your hat has dried so that you can’t bend it get it damp until you can.  position it with three edges up and pin it.  let the hat dry.   Try it on and you’re done!

Play Purse

Pretty Pink Play Purse 

Pattern available here.

Cut one of everything of the outside fabric (except the strap cut two) and then one of everything (except the strap) of the lining material.   I also cut a layer of felt or interfacing and basted it to the back of the outside fabric to make the purse stiffer, but that is optional.

Basically you sew two different purses one of the outside fabric and one of the lining. For the strap you pin the right sides together and sew turning the strap right-side out when you are done an attach it to the outside layer fabric.  Then sew the the two purses right sides together leaving a small 2 inch hole to turn the purse the right side out.   then use a needle and thread to stitch it closed using a hidden stitch.

For the purse I made for my daughter, I made a braided yarn strap instead of  cloth one. Depending on the material you use and if you have a serger   you may not have to make a lining.