¤TU¤ - ~Projects~

Have a Pillowcase? Make a Skirt out of it

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:27:29 -0700

I saw this project in an old magazine that I picked up at a tag sale. The magazine was dated 1910 and the title is illegible. But, I thought it was such a wonderful project I wanted to share it here at TU.

If you have a few pillow cases that don't seem to find their mates or if you just want to start with a discount store or thrift store find you can do that as well. Here's what you need to do.

Start with a pair of scissors and cut a strip just below the seam of the pillow case. Be sure and line the pillow case up with its self so you get the cut just right.

Next you want to hold the pillow case up and see how it looks and if it is light material consider lining it with a smaller piece of material. You can even try the pillow case on and see if it is going to fit around your waist.

Turn the pillow case inside out and iron the raw edge down so that it will fold and stay folded down on its own. Next place push pins through the entire length of the seam. This will make it easier for you to hem closed. I placed a length of twine rope under the seams raw edge to give my skirt a bit of give and a decorative touch to the pillow case.

Next you want to sew the hem down as you remove the push pins. And youre done. Put the skirt on and go out on the town.

You can put any sort of twist onto this project. You can make shorts or pants or even a shorter skirt. The possibilities are endless really.

For a similar version of this project try these links below:

Version 1
Version 2

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Make your own Reuseable Bag

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:06:25 -0700

For this project I used an old pair of flannel PJs that the seams were starting to rip around the waist. I had been repairing them over and over again and I finally decided to repurpose them into something I would actually use. Here are the steps I took in making this amazing bag.

Step 1: Cut the legs off the PJs and cut about an inch or so off the top of the "thigh-part" of the PJs to use as a strap for your bag.

Step 2 : Once you have your legs cut and your strap cut from both legs, iron the legs and the strap pieces to make them flat. Fold one side of the strap over and iron it down so that it lays flat then fold the other side over and iron it as well. This will make it easier for you to sew the folded sides together.

Step 3: Once your strap is finished, prepare the bag for sewing.

Step 4: Sew a straight stictch across the bottom of the bag and then go back the same direction about a 1/2 -inch above that first stitch. This will make for a stronger bottom on the bag.

Here are the finished bags I made. You can even make smaller bags from the leftover material like I made here. I placed buttons and some elastic on the top for closures, but you can use anything or even sew on a zipper on the top of them is you desire a zipper over a button closure.

I think these bags will be great when we head out for road trips or even camping over at the coast. The smaller bags are great for items such as sun block, cosmetics or even small snacks. I can't wait to load them up and take off for the weekend with them. And the best part; nothing ends up in the landfill and something old has been repurposed into somthing new.

Quick and Easy Martha Stewart Projects

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:54:09 -0700

I have had some time during the weekends to do a bit of scrap booking, as well as some craft projects with Skylar. One of the things I simply love doing is quick and easy projects that allow kids to be able to do the projects without making much of a mess. While perusing the aisles at Wal-Mart, I happened to notice these cute little projects for kids that are just adorable. We finished them in one day and were able to attach ornament hangers to the top if the animals and use them on Skylar's Christmas tree in his room. It gives him great joy to be able to hang something on his tree that he had a hand in making.

Click here for more information.

Make your own Mini Folder Album

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:44:32 -0700

It's easy to make your own mini folder album to store items you want to remember. You can add this mini folder album to any scrapbook page and keep receipts, concert tickets or even show programs that you want to keep safe from time and damage. It's really easy to make and kids will love this project. We made one of our big move to Oregon and I have started another one for our move back to Arkansas. Click here to see how they are made.

Make a Reusable Shopping Bag from a Pillowcase

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:50:45 -0700

This project is such an eco-friendly idea, I simply love it. If you have some extra pillowcases lying around, which I know everyone ends up with some amount of mismatched pillowcases. I actually have the neatest fabric that I made into pillowcases for our camping trips and over the eight years Jeff and I have been going camping a few of them have gotten damaged. But, I hung onto the damaged cases thinking I would use them for something else one day and now they have been reborn into bags. Here is how to make your own pillow case bag.

Step 1: Turn your pillowcase inside out and stitch the entire open end closed. Cut off the bottom third of the case on the opposite end in which you stitch closed.

Step 2: Cut off 1/2 inch of one side of the strap in which you just cut off the case. Holding the open end of the bag fold the fabric over four inches, making sure the raw and cut end of the material is folded over as well. Separate the material and hem all the way around. Be sure not to hem all the way through so you don't hem the bag closed again.

Step 3: Lay out the strap pieces and fold the sides in to meet each other and then fold over again to meet each other once more and hem down both sides own the center. Connect the strap to the bag and fold under the raw edges of each end and stitch in a square to make sure it's secure. Turn the bag inside out and you are ready to use it. Be sure not to load the bag with too much or it may rip. It is perfect for carrying light groceries or veggies or fruit from the local farmers' market.

Photo Source: Whole Living

For different versions of this bag check out the links below.

Bag Version One

Bag Version Two

I took on Earthly Garden with 451 Press

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:24:22 -0700

Yea! I took another one. Another blog that is. Now I have five. Well, technically I have 22, but with 451 Press it's only five. I am looking forward to it. I will be sharing it with another co-blogger named Michael Nolan. We are going to make it fun, well as much fun as you can make a blog about gardening. But you get the point. Go look at Earthly Garden. It's already in full swing of postings. While you are there, check out my other four blogs:

 Natural and Sustainable

 Earthly Eating

 Wax and Bubbles

 Shoe Boxers

And what the heck, while you are there perusing through the blogs, go check out Michaels too. Just between you and me, he is a better blogger.

 Frugal Mania

 Pride and Opinions

 YouTube Digger

*The image at the top is for Jolly Blogger T-shirts. If you like to blog or know someone who likes to blog, go ahead, purchase a shirt. *

Here's a Fun Summer-Time Activity

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:34:57 -0700

Help birds find nesting supplies by providing them with what they fly, at times, for hours searching for.

Place hair, pet hair or even human hair, strings, yarn, twine or dryer lint in a mesh bag and hang it in your garden. Birds will use all of this for their nest building needs.

You can even use a mesh bag and cut small holes in the bag all over to keep the contents together and the small holes will allow the birds to think they are finding a treasure.

HOW TO MAKE AN ICICLE LAMP

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:11:00 -0700

If icicles form where you live: Carefully harvest six or more. Push the base ends into mounded snow and pour a little water to freeze them in place. (like in a gelatin mold to give the icicles support.) Steady the icicles with more snow, if needed. Place votive candles in the center and light it up. Be sure and find icicles that are thicker so that when they begin to melt it will take them quite a while before any of the water leaks onto your voltive. From my own experience, if you use larger candles than just a voltive, they will grow a lot better and into the night.

Or if you don't live where winter brings extreme cold... you canfreeze theice candleholders in the freezer. As molds, use a plastic food storage container, empty milk cartons or coffee cans.

Just Look At Them....So Fun To Make For Halloween

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:00:43 -0700

Find out how to make them here.

(PDF bat template)

Instant Note Board

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:28:16 -0700

I came across this idea at the Farmers Coop in Canada, during out trip the beginning of this month and I just had to share.

Wrap large, colorful rubber bands around a simple plastic document holder and you'll have a message center with space to stash pens, pencils, adhesive notepads, and more. The colorful bands can be found at a craft store, office supply store or here. The bands can be moved or taken off for any reason. Give it a try. It's quick and easy to make and the ones in Canada were going for $25 Canadian.

Kiss Laundry Room Chaos Goodbye!

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:05:08 -0700

In less than an hour, get your clothes zone under control!

Wash and dry in style!

1. Store supplies safelty- If you have small children or pets, lock away hazardous items like detergentsand bleach in an upper-level cabinet.

2. Keep garmnets high and dry- Install a rod directly over your sink to hang anything wet. The drips will go down the drain-instead of onto the floor. If you don't have a laundry room sink, hang a rod where it will be out of "head-bopping" way and place a towel folded in half under the garment.

3. Room for the board- When you're not ironing, stash the board in a tall cabinet. (you can buy prefab cabinets at home centers). The space also houses mops and brooms, which can hang on the inside of the doors.

4. A case for baskets- Pullout bins under a folding table give you a place for laundry that's ready to be put away. Take the wire drawes out and carry clothes upstairs. You can also use the bins to sort dirty laundry.

Spruce up Basic Stationary...

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Tue, 15 May 2007 13:26:40 -0700

Plain envelopes get a face-lift when you line the interiors with decorative paper. Choose a pattern that suits the occasion: a map showing directions to your event, flowers for a bridal shower, etc. To make: Place an open envelope on paper and trace along the perimeter, then yse a razor knife to cut liner about 1/2 inch smaller all around. Use a glue stick to attach the lining. You can also buy a kit from Paper Source.

HOW TO MAKE BEESWAX CANDLES!

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 13:56:33 -0700

All you need are sheets of beeswax and wicks. You can purchase these at craft stores, bee keeping supply companies or from an online source. To find an online source simply search the words, "candle making", "wax sheets", or "beeswax sheets."

The honeycomb wax is a neat little added flair to the tapers. But, you can use smooth as well, either one works great. They are available in a wide range of colors. The cost for an 8" x 16" sheet will run you about two dollars.

Determine the size of the wick to purchase by the diamete of the candles you plan to make. Most sources will have a chart of recommendations to help you pick out the right wick. Wicks come in flat braid or square braid. FOr the most flexibility, you may want to purchase a range of wick sizes.

Buy enough wax and wick that you will be able to do a few test runs.

To get started warm the wax in the sun until it softens a bit or you can heat it by placing it on a towel lined cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven. It just takes a couple of minutes for the wax to soften and become pliable.

Determine the height of the candle you want and cut the sheet accordingly. Next cut a piece of wick about 1/2 inches longer than the height of your candle. Place the wick 1/8 of an inch from the edge of thewax sheet and press firmly so that it is well sealed. Now gently roll the sheet tightly, making sure the ends are even. When you have created the diameter desired, use a utility knife to trim any excess and a warm metal spatula to seal the edge. Trim the wick down to about 1/2 inch on top.

To increase the diameter of the candle, simply roll the first sheet with the wick in it with a new sheet lining up the edge of the new sheet with the unsealed outer edge of the candle and begin to roll again. Continue these steps until you have the diameter you prefer.

It's amazing how popular candles have becom, particularly around the holiday season, and to think, the essentail ingredient here is from out friend the honeybee.

PINECONE BIRD FEEDERS!

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 11:27:55 -0700

Even though the winter is almost ending the birds will still come around when there is a nice treat for them hanging. It is so easy to make that I made it with Skylar without a hitch. The peanut-butter isn't as messy as you might think.

MATERIALS:

Pinecones
Creamy Peanut Butter (use all-natural or organic peanut-butter to keep the feedings earth friendly to the birds)
Yarn, Ribbon, or Wire
Paper Plates
Scissors
Butter Knife
Bird Seed

DIRECTIONS:

Cut a length of yarn or ribbon to hang the feeder. Wrap the wire or ribbon around the pinecone near the bottom so that it catches under the "petals." If you are using ribbon simply tie it into a knot to create a loop. With wire you can make a hook shape similar to what you see on a Christmas tree ornament. Wire is more sturdy then ribbon when you go to add the peanut butter and seeds.

Next scoop some peanut butter into a paper plate and pour some birdseed onto a seperate plate. Using a light colored seed such as safflower that way it will show up better on a tree. Safflower seed will attract cardinals and chickadees. But, you can use standard birdseed or a mix to attract other visitors to your garden.

Using the butter knife pack the peanut butterbetween the crevices of the pinecone and the sprinkle it with seed. Doing all the peanut butter at once then the seeds is a lot easier and less messy. Once you have made the cones it is time to hang them on a tree. Hang near an existing feeder, so the birds will be more comfortable in going to their new food source. Placing them afterward near a window so you can watch the birds feed is an awesome experience. You can place them in your garden as well, or give them as a gift. They are fun to make and a blast of a project for kids to learn about birds. They can watch the birds eat what they made for them and Skylar just loved it.

MAKING CORN HUSK DOLLS!

mcwilkerson1977@yahoo.com (Shelly Hardage-Wilkerson) — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:52:18 -0700

You can make these little dolls just for fun or to give as gifts to kids, either way they are so much fun to make. You can find corn husks in the local supermarket in the Mexican food section the type used for tamales right now or wait till the corn is harvested around October.

MATERIALS:

(5) corn husks (makes 1 doll)
String for tying the husks ( raffia is a good choice because it blends into the husk color)
Yarn for hair
Dried flowers
Scissors
Bucket for soaking corn husks
Acrylic paints
Paint brushes

DIRECTIONS:

Place the corn husks between 2 sheets of paper towel and then place the paper toweks between the pages of and old phone book or dictionary. Allow them to dry for about 5 days to 1 week. Before you begin making the doll, soak the corn husks in water for about 20 minutes to make them pliable. Take four corn husks, set 2 aside and two flat on a table, one on top of the other. Now place the pieces of yarn that will be the hair down the length of the corn husks with just a bit extending over the narrow ends of the husks. If you plan on painting the hait you can skip this step. For an optional fancy hat use a dried flower. Face the dried flower toward the wide ends of the husks with just a little bit of stem hanging over the narrow ends, same as the yarn. What you are aiming for is a little length of yarn and stem that you can secure in the husks with twine so that when it comes time to flip the corn husks over the "hair" and the "hat" will stay in place.

Now, cover the bottom husks, yarn and dried flower with the two husks that you set aside. The narrow end of the husks should match up. Tie the narrow ends of the corn husk, yarn and stem of the dried flower together with a piece of string. Tieit nice and tight so that everything is secure. Holding the knot in your hand, with the open end of husks pointing up, turn the husks down over the knot, like you are peeling a banana. So what you have now is all the husks pointing down and the yarn hair and dried flower hat sitting on top. You may need to adjust the hat a little at this point. To create a head, tie a piece of string just below where you can feel the knot under the husks. Making the arms by taking a single husk, rolling it tightly and placing it between the two sets of husks that comprise the skirt, and just under the string that forms the head. Tie another piece of string under the rolled husk to hold the arms in place and create a waist. This just leaves the hands. You can make these by tying a piece of string at the end of each arm. For a finishing touch, snip into the ends of the corn husks at the bottom of the skirt with your scissors. As the husks dry they will curl giving your corn husk doll a fancy hem line.

To dress your doll in pants cut the skirt in half with scissors and then tie a little string around each ankle, that's for a boy and leave the skirt long, for a girl.