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Picture Frame Pendant

12/19/2022

 
Picture
A cute little picture frame pendant made out of Perler beads! Video version is first, scroll down for the words and pictures version.

Video

Music by Lesfm from Pixabay
Music by AudioCoffee from Pixabay

Materials

Picture
Perler beads
Design Board
Iron
Parchment Paper
Card Stock paper
Stamp and Ink
Permanent Markers
UV Resin (Or other thick finish)
Scissors
Glue
Binder clips (or other small clamps)
Cord and Beads

Instructions

Stamp and color your picture. You could also cut a picture from a magazine, print out a picture, etc.
Picture
Picture
Using your picture as a guide, put Perler beads on the design board at the four corners. Then take the picture away and fill up the rectangle with beads. Add a loop at the top. Cover with parchment paper and gently iron to melt the beads together. Take it off the board and do the back side.
Picture
Picture
Using the backing as a guide, put four corners on design board.
Picture
Picture
Put beads on design board between corners to form frame, and include loop. Use glue stick to attach picture to back piece.
Picture
Picture
Glue the front frame onto the backing piece, clamp with the binder clips and let dry thoroughly. (I let it sit overnight) Once dry, un-clamp and fill the center with UV resin. (You could also use extra thick embossing powder or any thick glaze or varnish.)
Picture
Picture
Cure resin under UV light, string on cord with accent beads. (Or add a zipper pull, key ring, etc.)
Picture
Picture

Did you enjoy this project? Tips are always appreciated! 

Spooky coloring and Activity Book

10/31/2022

 
Happy Halloween!

Here's a fun little mini coloring book for you to download, print, and fold! It only takes one sheet of paper.

Folding instructions are in the video below. (That one is for a different book, but the basic instructions work the same!)
Click below to download!
img001.pdf
File Size: 765 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

How to fold mini coloring books

Simple Snow People Ornaments

11/23/2021

 
Cute little snow people to help make your season bright!
​Video tutorial first, or scroll down for words and pictures. 

VIDEO


MUSIC: Alex_MakeMusic on Pixabay

How-To!


SUPPLIES:
Metal Rim Tags (key tags)
Markers
Glue
Scissors
Clamps (clothes pin or binder clamps)
Yarn
Heavy Weight Black Paper
(Card Stock or Construction Paper)
Floss threaders (helpful but not necessary)
A light gray cutting mat with metal rim tags, scissors, markers, glue, clothes pin, binder clamps, and floss threaders laid out on it.

Glue two of the tags together. Layer the bottom one underneath so the hole is hidden. Clamp together with clothes pins or binder clamps and let glue dry. Draw a face and buttons on with a marker. Cut a hat shape out of the black paper. 
Two sets of two metal rim tags glued together with clothes pins and binder clamps holding the place where they are joined together. The one on the bottom is layered behind the one on top.
Two metal rim tags with faces and buttons drawn on so they look like snow people. There are hat shapes cut out of black paper on the cutting mat above them.

Glue the hat on (making sure to keep the hole on top open by tilting it at a jaunty angle.) Clamp and let dry. Cut two short pieces of yarn and glue onto paper as a hat band. Let dry. 
Two metal rim tag snow people ornaments. They have a black paper hat connected to the top with a clothes pin securing it so the glue can dry.
Two snow people ornaments made out of metal rim key tags. They have black hats tilted to one side with red yarn glued down where a hat band would be.

Cut a length of yarn and thread it through the hole, tying it together to make a loop.
​Now you are all done and have some cute winter-y friends to decorate with! 
Two Snow people ornaments on a gray cutting mat. They have a loop of red yarn through the hole at the top and tied in a loop.

Two snow people ornaments on a green background. They have a smiling face with a drawn carrot nose, and black hats tilted with a red yarn accent.

Toss a coin to your crafter!​
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS

Itty Bitty Bunting Beads

11/9/2021

 
A string of green beads with green, white, pink, and brown polka dots. They are triangles and resemble bunting.
A fun little polymer clay project! You can make these in three different sizes and string them up in your dollhouse, on a shelf, or in your own unique jewelry creations! Video first, or scroll down for written instructions with pictures. Note: Video contains some sped-up footage. 

VIDEO



MUSIC
Music by Lesfm on pixabay:
https://pixabay.com/music/search/lesfm/

Materials


You will need:
Polymer Clay
Polymer Clay Canes
Pasta Machine
(strongly recommended)
Liquid Clay
(optional but recommended)
Rolling tool
(acrylic roller, fondant roller, large knitting needle, etc.)
Blade/Cutting tool
(I use a wallpaper scraper replacement blade, but a craft knife would also work)
Ruler
Index Cards (or other sturdy paper)
Scissors
Toothpicks
Cord and Beads for stringing 
​Floss threader
A cutting mat with the listed materials on it.

How-To


Condition clay until it is warm and pliable. Warm and reduce canes to desired size. 

Want to make your own canes? I have 3 instructional videos:
Bullseye Cane
Jellyroll Cane
Checkerboard Cane

Using ruler, measure and cut out three triangles from the index card to use as templates:

LARGE: 4cm x 8cm  x 8cm
MEDIUM: 3cm x 6cm x 6cm
​SMALL: 2cm x 5cm x 5cm
A cutting mat with an index card and scissors on it. There are triangles drawn on the index card.
A cutting mat with three triangles cut out of index card on it. The measurements are written on the triangles, one across the top and one down one side: 4cm and 8cm on the largest, 3cm and 6cm on the medium, and 2cm and 5 cm on the smallest.d

METHOD #1
Roll clay out into thin sheet
(2nd thickest setting on the pasta machine, or approximately 2mm thick.) Using template as a guide, cut clay into triangles. 

One of the triangles on a rolled out piece of green polymer clay, showing the clay being cut in the same shape

Cut cane slices and gently press onto triangle, leaving approximately the top 2 centimeters blank. Use different sizes of cane slices for interest. (For this method, leave some background space between the slices.) ​Use roller tool to smooth cane slice down. (Gently so you don't warp the triangle.)

A green triangle of clay with pink, white, green, and brown polka dot canes on it. The canes are on the side showing several slices cut.
The same green triangle with more dots on it. These are smaller in size. There are also two canes (tubes of patterned clay) on each side with slices cut out.
The decorated triangle of clay being smoothed with a clear acrylic roller

Using toothpick, start at top and roll down to create a tube for stringing. If desired, secure with liquid clay. (recommended) 

The decorated green triangle on a cutting mat with a toothpick at the top (the shortest side of the triangle)
The decorated green triangle of clay with a toothpick at the top. It is rolled down a little and there is a bottle of liquid polymer clay beside it.
The decorated green triangle of clay. The top is now rolled down around the toothpick, forming a tube at the top.

METHOD #2
Roll out a thin sheet of clay (2nd thickest setting on the pasta machine, or about 2mm thick) Make sure it is large enough for the template you want to use, and gently press cane slices down on it. (For this method, press the edges of each slice up against each other.) Continue until you have enough covered for the size of triangle you are going to cut. Smooth with roller tool.

A sheet of pink clay laid out on a cutting board. There are a few slices of clay in a checkerboard pattern on the top right corner. There is a checkerboard patterned cane on one side with several slices cut from it.
The same pink sheet of clay with more checkerboard patterned clay on it.
The decorated pink sheet of clay with a clear acrylic roller smoothing the checkerboard design out.

Using template, trim clay into triangle.

The pink sheet of clay with a checkerboard pattern on it with a triangle template made out of paper on the top.
The checkerboard patterned sheet of clay being trimmed into a triangle using the paper triangle as a template.

Using toothpick, start at top and roll down to create a tube for stringing. If desired, secure with liquid clay. (recommended) ​

A checkerboard patterned triangle of clay in green and pink with a toothpick at the top of the triangle (the shortest side) the clay is slightly curved over the toothpick.
A checkerboard patterned triangle of clay in pink and green with a toothpic at the top and a tube created around it with the clay

Pull out the toothpicks and gently curve the tube at the top. (Be careful not to accidentally pinch it shut!) Place triangles on cardstock or index card, and bake at the temperature indicated by the clay manufacturer. I always cover my pans with aluminum foil and bake for an hour. (Extended time is not a problem, but be careful about the temperature. An oven thermometer is always a good idea when baking polymer clay!) 

Patterned polymer clay triangles with a slightly curved tube at top on an index card. The triangles are green with pink, white, green, and brown polka-dots, and green and pink checkerboards. The triangles are of various sizes with one short side and two long equal sides.

String on cord with a bead between each triangle. Floss threaders from the toothbrush aisle make good inexpensive, flexible needles. Now you can hang it up in your dollhouse, add a cute accent to a small shelf, or use them in your own unique jewelry creations! 

A gray cutting mat with stringing materials laid out on it: the baked green triangles, green cord, small scissors, floss threaders, and silver colored beads.
A string of green beads with green, white, pink, an
A string of triangle beads in green and pink checkerboard. They are strung with a round silver colored bead in betwwen them and resemble a string of bunting.

Toss a coin to your crafter!​
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS

Polymer Clay Canes: Checkerboard

11/1/2021

 
​A fairly simple cane as you are learning to work with polymer clay!
​
I prefer Kato PolyClay for caning
http://Prairiecraft.com

I use wallpaper scraper replacement blades to cut the clay. I grab them at the Sherwin Williams across the street from my house, but you can usually find them at any hardware store.

My roller is an acrylic roller that I ordered online specifically for working with polymer clay, but fondant rollers also work quite nicely if that's easier to find. (Only use it for clay, don't switch back to using it with food.)
MUSIC
​Reverie (small theme) by _ghost (c) copyright 2010
Licensed under a 
Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/_ghost/25389
Ft: Pitx

The Long Goodbye by John Pazdan (c) copyright 2008 
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. 
http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/flatwound/14476 
Toss a coin to your crafter!​
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS
​

Polymer Clay Basics: Jellyroll/Spiral Cane

10/29/2021

 
Jellyroll Cane
A fairly simple cane as you are learning to work with polymer clay!
​
I prefer Kato PolyClay for caning
http://Prairiecraft.com

I use wallpaper scraper replacement blades to cut the clay. I grab them at the Sherwin Williams across the street from my house, but you can usually find them at any hardware store.

My roller is an acrylic roller that I ordered online specifically for working with polymer clay, but fondant rollers also work quite nicely if that's easier to find. (Only use it for clay, don't switch back to using it with food.)
MUSIC
Reverie (small theme) by _ghost (c) copyright 2010
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/_ghost/25389
Ft: Pitx

reCreation by airtone (c) copyright 2019

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/airtone/59721
Toss a coin to your crafter!​
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS
​

Polymer Clay Basics: Bullseye/Polka-Dot Cane

10/25/2021

 
Bullseye Cane
A fairly simple cane as you are learning to work with polymer clay!
​
I prefer Kato PolyClay for caning
http://Prairiecraft.com

I use wallpaper scraper replacement blades to cut the clay. I grab them at the Sherwin Williams across the street from my house, but you can usually find them at any hardware store.

My roller is an acrylic roller that I ordered online specifically for working with polymer clay, but fondant rollers also work quite nicely if that's easier to find. (Only use it for clay, don't switch back to using it with food.)

MUSIC
Reverie (small theme) by _ghost(c) copyright 2010
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/_ghost/25389
Ft: Pitx

preamble by airtone (c) copyright 2020
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/airtone/61579
 Toss a coin to your crafter!​
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS

Groovy Flower Packing Tape Bookmark

7/6/2021

 
A bookmark with a flower made out of different colored paper dots rests on top of a book
​A cute little bookmark for you to make! The materials are mostly just office supplies, and the most important skill is a bit of patience! First the video version, or scroll down a bit for the still pictures and words version. Have fun!

Supplies

A picture of supplies: a fan of colored index cards, packing tape, a hole punch, scissors, tweezers, and embroidery thread
You will need:
Card stock weight colored paper (I just used index cards)
Packing Tape
Hole Punch
Scissors
Tweezers
Embroidery floss or ribbon (if desired)

How-To

A few different pieces of paper in different colors with many punch holes in them, a small silver tin with many different colored paper dots, and a silver hole punch
​Grab your paper and punch a bunch of holes! It's easiest if you have a little container to catch the dots.
A roll of packing tape, a piece of the packing tape on the work surface, and a container of colorful paper dots
Tear or cut a piece of packing tape, a little longer than about six inches. Or so. It's your bookmark, you can make it as long or short as you want! Place it on your work surface, sticky side up. Fold a bit of the sticky side down to secure it.
A pair of tweezers and container of colorful paper dots on both sides. In the center on the tape, a wavy line of green dots is placed on tape.
Using the tweezers, place the paper dots on the tape to make the grass and stem.
A container of colorful paper dots, by packing tape with a green paper dot stem and yellow, pink, and orange paper dots in concentric circles making the beginning of a flower
Now start making the flower! Start with the center, and then place the dots in circles around it
Same as last picture, but more dots have been added around the flower
​Continue adding dots in alternating colors. 
The flower bookmark now with leaves on the stem, it has been finished with another piece of packing tape and trimmed. There are nonstick scissors in the picture as well.
​Use green dots to add leaves. Cut another piece of packing tape and press it down on your flower and smooth it out. (I find it works best if you cut it a little bit longer than your base piece, and then try to match up the sides as close as you can manage. Pull up from your work surface and trim the top and bottom.
A bookmark with a yellow and orange flower on a clear background with an orange ribbon
Punch a hole in the top and add a ribbon or other cord with a lark's head knot. All finished! Now go find a good book to read so you can use your new bookmark! My current favorites are the Newsflesh Trilogy by Mira Grant, The Hollow Ones and A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher, Space Opera by Cat Valente, and the Brothers Sinister series by Courtney Milan. I've also revisited Mind of my Mind by Octavia Butler recently, and am planning to start in on Parable of the Sower soon!

Toss a coin to your crafter!
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS

No-Sew Fashion Doll Tutu

7/5/2021

 
A Picture of a green skinned fashion doll with pink and green hair. she is holding her arms in a ballet like pose and wearing a tutu made of white tulle. Text across the tutu reads
​How to make a fun tutu for your fashion dolls! You can easily adjust it to the doll, so this will work for different types and sizes! Video tutorial first, or scroll down for the still pictures with words version. 

Supplies


A pile of white tulle in a kind of spiral shape on a black background
Tulle! Exactly how much will depend on the size of the doll you are making a tutu for, and how floofy you want it to be.
A green skinned fashion doll with pink and green hair on a white background. Her hands are on her hips and she is wearing chunky black boots.
A doll! You will be tying the elastic around the waist to get the sizing right and trim it to the right length.
A picture of pink handled scissors, with a bottle of fray check and a bundle of black elastic cord on top on a black background
​Scissors, thin elastic cord (I use beading cord) and Fray Check. (The Fray Check is for dotting on the elastic knot to secure it, so you could also use clear nail polish if that's what you've got on hand!)

How-To


​Step One: Cut a piece of elastic and tie it around the doll's waist in a loop with a square knot. Make sure it fits the doll snugly, but you can still take it off and put it on the doll. Put a dot of Fray Check or clear nail polish on the knot to secure it.

Step Two: Cut a bunch of strips of the tulle, about one inch wide. The length will depend on the length of the tutu you want and also the height of the doll. You want them about the right length for the tutu when folded in half. The amount of strips you need will also depend on the size of the doll, and how floofy you want the tutu to be! These do not have to be uniform in size, making them a bit different adds interest and texture to the tutu! (And you will be trimming them up in the last step, so it's better to make them a bit too long and then cut them shorter.)
A picture of three strips of white tulle on a black background. Two of them are folded in half
Step Three: Tie the tulle strips to the elastic waist band using a lark's head knot.
A piece of white tulle is folded in half with a black elastic band encircling it a few inches down.
​Fold tulle strip in half, and push it partway through elastic band.
A piece of white till wrapped around a black elastic band, partway through the process of tying a lark's head knot. The two loose ends of the tulle are pulled through the loop made by folding the strip in half.
​Take ends of strip, pulling them around elastic and pull them through loop that folded end of the tulle strip has made.
A piece of white tulle attached to a black elastic band rests diagonally on a black background
​Gently finish pulling  them through and tighten, pushing the knot secure against the elastic.
​Step Four: Continue tying tulle strips around elastic band until it is covered.
Multiple pieces of tulle attached to a black elastic band
Multiple pieces of white tulle attached to a black elastic band. About 1/3 the band is covered.
Multiple pieces of white tulle are attached to a black elastic band. It is about halfway covered.
Multiple pieces of white tulle are attached to a black elastic band. The band is covered about seventy five percent.
A picture of multiple tulle pieces attached to a black elastic band, covering the band completely leaving a circle of black and fanning out from it
Step Five: Put tutu on the doll, trim and scrunch it until you are happy with the shape!
A green skinned fashion doll with pink and green hair lies on a black background with her arms reaching towards her head. She is wearing a black and pink one armed dress and a white tutu at her waist.
A green skinned fashion doll with pink and one curving in front of her torso. She wears a pink, green, and black one shouldered dress and a fluffy white tutu with chunky black boots with pink soles.

Toss a coin to your crafter:
​Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS

Squishy Sand

7/2/2021

 
A dark pink star made up of granular sand like material, tilted slightly to the left on a white background.
Squish and squoosh and squeeze! Make some fun homemade kinetic sand! Video tutorial first, scroll down for the still pictures and words version.

Supplies

A white bowl filled with teal and red measuring cups, a green tablespoon, and a silver spoon, a popsickle stick, and a red spatula.
​Tools: Bowl, measuring cups and spoon, spoon or something to stir with.
a translucent plastic bowl holding dark pink granular sand
​1 Cup Sand
(this was craft sand that came in pretty colors, play sand should also work, you could experiment with food coloring to make it colorful.)
a red measuring cup holding a mound of flour, a small plastic cup holding cooking oil.
​1/4 Cup flour
3 Tablespoons oil
(I used vegetable oil from the kitchen, but you could experiment with different kinds.)

How-To

​Dump ingredients in bowl, stir until well mixed. Add more oil a little bit at a time if needed. This recipe can easily scaled up or down if you want more or less, it's basically one part flour to four parts sand,  add oil a little at a time until you are happy with the texture and how much it holds together. Happy squishing!

Toss a coin to your crafter:
Venmo: @CreativeMoves
Paypal.me/CreativeMovesUS
<<Previous

    Projects

    All
    Bullseye Cane
    Checkerboard Cane
    Craft Foam Printing
    Fashion Doll Tutu
    IttyBitty Bunting Beads
    Jellyroll Cane
    Packing Tape Bookmark
    Picture Frame Pendant
    Polymer Clay Canes
    Snow People Ornaments
    Squishy Sand
    Teapot Bead Tutorial


    Looking for old projects?
    I will be slowly improving/updating and adding them here, but until then you can find them here:
    http://makemesses.
    ​weebly.com/projects

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    July 2021
    June 2021


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