Ever wondered how to make one of those nice pop-up cards? This model is simple enough the video below is quite easy to follow. You can also try with different patterned paper, or trying to add different shades to the flower.
Spiral-bound: 120 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 13, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0811856526
ISBN-13: 978-0811856522
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.9 x 8 inches
Back in 2008 I stumbled upon this book on one of my favorite bookstores in Brazil, and decided to buy it. Funny thing is, even though my mom has sewn during all her life (and she’s awesome at it), I’ve never thought it was really appealing. But when I saw those cute plushies, I went ‘awwww’ ^_^ I guess it’s genetic ._. I liked the idea to start working with felt sewing craft projects, because it seemed to be an easy material for a begginer like me.
It’s a pretty neat book, the beginning covers the basics of materials and techniques in such an easy way that even a noob like me managed to learn it successfully.
You can find all the patterns in the end of the book, all tucked in a yellow envelope. The book is spiral bound (gotta love it!) and has an elastic band to keep it shut.
The whole thing is just awesome! The pics are really wonderful, and instructions are clear to follow. The projects go from easy to difficult, and you can explore several techniques, such as needle felting, crochet, hand stitching and machine stitching, plus, you can find a resource list in the end of the book. The projects are from different artists, and you can find the artist bio on every project. I think it works fine for begginers and more experienced crafters alike.
Needless to say, I had a sewing fever for about 6 months! You can check out below some of my versions of the 25 handmade plushies from the book.
I first folded this model in 2011, and at that time I thougth it was called Tornillo. I’d got the diagram from somewhere on the web, and it remains one of my favorite models. The modules are easy and fast to fold, and the final result is steady and elegant.
This kusudama was created by Paolo Bascetta, an Italian mathematician and origamist from Italy, For the kusudamas below, I used 30 modules of 7cm double-colored paper. You can check the modules’ diagram below, and if you give it a try, I’d love to see your version!
A while ago I decided to play with my Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition), and try to use its drawing app. I asked my friends on Facebook to prompt me some ideas and this is the result. 😀 I guess pretty much everybody asked for ‘normal’ animals, except for the sharknado and the albine yak, of course. Would you like to see your favorite animal here too? Leave it on the comments!!!
Fabric origami, sometimes also called Orinuno, it’s just like origami, but instead of using paper, you can create animals, shapes and accessories using fabric. One of the advantages is that it’s durable, and you can even make it waterproof with Mod Podge if you want to. There are many possibilities to create.
Many people have already seen fabric origami using napkins, in hotels, fancy events or wedding parties. What I like to do is a bit different, you need to starch the fabric beforehand. 100% cotton fabric is ideal, and it’s a good idea to keep an iron at arms’ lenght 🙂 A bone folder can also be very useful.
For some time I played, created and adapted different accessories, such as origami wallets, coin purses, bookmarks and card holders. I released a DVD in Brazil (sorry, Portuguese version only), but I hope the pics below can inspire you all.
This model was created by Herman Van Goubergen and you can find the instructions and his own tips here. The pictures below were first posted on my old blog and Deviantart account.
Tips:
The models below were folded on 5×5 cm origami paper. I recommend thick paper, like copy paper, for example. Thin ones do not work that well.
These models were made using 12 modules, but you can also try and make it with 30 modules as well.
You can use white glue or clear nail polish to work as varnish and make the models more stable and durable.
Seriously, I love boxes! Besides being useful, that can be part of your decor and it’s also a blank canvas where you can do anything! It’s always fun to decorate them with paper, buttons, ribbons, lace, tags and so on. These are some ideas that were first published on my old blog.
Materials:
The patterned paper is from DCWV, but the ribbons, rickrack, buttons, lave, doilies, paint, stencils, stickers, tags and the like were all collected in thrift shops and stationary shops, without any specific brand.
This kusudama was invented by Mio Tsugawa, and it’s one of my favorite models. I like the way it’s curly and see-through at the same time. It was made using 30 modules, but you can do it with 12 as well.
This is a great DIY idea for a Christmas party favor, or table place cards. I used 15 x 15 cm Christmas-themed scrapbook paper for the trees, and a 1 cm wide strip for the star. The tags and wings were made using paper punches.
Shabby chic is a style of interior design where furniture and decor ostensibly show signs of wearand tear and age. The style started in the UK and evokes the style of old large country houses, being elegant, bohemian, romantic and vintage at the same time.
What to use on your vintage projects:
Use and abuse of motifs of flowers, birds, butterflies… and more flowers. Choose distressed pastel colors such as antique rose, lavender, mint, white, gray, butter and pale blue. Also, swirls and twirls galore!
It was originally just a white metal cage. I added the ribbons, paper and foam flowers, peacock feathers and the cute little bird 🙂
Craft Organizer Cabinet with scrap fabric
This wooden cabinet was sold without any finish, just like the picture below. I fell in love with it because it had 14drawers in 3 different sizes! It was perfect to keep all my paper punches, scrapbooking embellishments, paints, buttons, ribbons and the like.
I painted it white and covered the drawers with coordinating patchwork fabric and PVA glue.
Wooden Boxes
I LOVE creating these boxes! They are so cute, useful and a perfect canvas to try differentideas, textures and materials. I covered most of them with scrapbooking paper and used lots of buttons, die cuts, ribbons, lace, stamps, thread, doilies, stickers, gems… the list goes on and on…
Giant Card
You can’t really tell just by looking at the picture, but the card below is actually size A3 (297 x 420 mm or 11.7 x 16.5 in). It was a goodbye card to my former manager, so we needed plenty of space so everybody could leave her a message.
I used my Silhouette Cameo, scrapbooking paper, buttons, paint, vellum, doilies, spray paint and white paint to distress the borders.
Do you want to start a new sewing project but you’re not really sure which one? This is a collection from all bags I made and posted on my old blog and Deviantart page (that’s why you can see the old website address on the pics). I hope you get inspired by them! In case you do, don’t forget to show me your work!
Tote Bags
There is no reason why you shouldn’t be cute even when going groceries shopping! I learned how to sew the simple ones with Aranzi Aronzo books, and the lined ones watching tutorials from You Tube and Pinterest. They are the easiest model to stat with if you don’t know how to sew.
Simplicity Patterns
Simplicity.com has been around for more than 90 years, and you can find lots of different models not only for bags, but also for clothing and accessories in general.
Maybe these models are not suitable if you are a real beginner in sewing, but they’ve got plenty of patterns for all levels and needs.
Windmill Patchwork Bag
I promise I’ll post the tutorial for this bag… one day 😛 I got the pattern in an old patchwork magazine, but it’s in a lost box in the middle of my mom’s house…
Zipped pouch
I’m not a big fan of sewing zippers, to be honest. This was my first attempt at it, I guess it can be a nice practice exercise until you get used to it.
Cartonnage Fabric-covered Travel Cases
These French cartonnage cases are adorable and sturdy, ideal to carry your makeup or even fragile items. You can choose your favorite fabric pattern and assemble it according to instructions that come with the kit, or if you need an extra challenge, you can make your own from scratch.
Casserole Carrier
You can find the tutorial and pattern for this project here.
Drawstring bag
That’s another very easy project por beginners, and you can make them in coordinated colors, in different sizes, with or without appliques, anything you desire! They’re also great last-minute gifts 😉
Clothespin holder
And after everything you’ve seen and done, you’ll have plenty of scraps laying around… But don’t throw them away! You can sew a nifty clothespin holder, because I bet they are in a horrible plastic bag at the moment, or somewhere even worse!