Denim Pocket Composition Book

Oh, so that’s where my pair of shorts went!

Book Purses

My friend Sheri has graciously put my book purses on consignment.  No takers yet. 

No Sew Pillow

From FamilyFun Magazine. 
No-sew fleece pillow -- a Christmas gift for Great Grandma

Chinese New Year Red Envelope projects

I think I’m a 4th-generation Chinese-American.  Lots of things get watered down or forgotten.  Such as….
I’m not sure what the protocol on the red envelopes are.   I do know you’re supposed to receive it with two hand, look the giver in the eye, and say something appropriate.  I thought I read somewhere that it is bad luck to rip and/or throw the envelopes away.  I don’t know if there’s a policy on reusing the red envelope, but I’ll admit to doing so.  And always make sure the red envelope is appropriate for the occasion.  It helps to have someone who can read Chinese or know what the pictures mean.  Rosemary Gong’s book “Good Luck Life” is a basic reference guide for the befuddled Chinese-American. 
The top two projects were copied from Grandma’s assisted living facility.  They do great crafts.  (If no one is inspecting the handiwork closely, a stapler works great.)
The square was made using the same technique as explained in this link.
The lower right hand project was a squatty, stunted goof of the more round one. 

Nook Book Cover

IngredientsMain Book cover: 1 book cover slightly larger than Nook
Inside:  1/2 book cover slightly smaller or same size as Main Book Cover
Inside Patch:  Scrapbook paper
Elastic: Approximately 2 feet (the debate, what color elastic to use?!?)

ToolsGlue Gun
Flexible adhesive appropriate for paper (I used my ATG)
Paper trimmer
Xacto Knife
(I didn’t take in-process pictures.  I was just excited to put it together.  If I ever make another one, I’ll update this post.)

1.  Cut scrapbook paper at least 3x bigger than the book spine.  Adhere to cover up book spine “scar.”  I goofed up a couple of times during this part.  First, I cut the paper 2x bigger than book spine.  I figured that I would cover just over the minimum space of the spine scar.  Doesn’t work,  Paper pops up and doesn’t lay flat.  And I also wanted to make sure the scrapbook paper underneath the 1/2 book cover would not suffer from the “popping up” syndrome as well.  It’s just paper – use a generous size.
2.  with the 1/2 cover and the elastic figure out what will keep your Nook secure.  Take note of finished edges.  Make sure the unfinished edge is by the spine.  Trace where elastic will be on wrong side of 1/2 cover.  In order to avoid lumpiness, I used the Xacto knife to remove some of the inner book cover and created a groove the width and depth of the elastic.  Using glue gun, fill in groove with hot glue and secure elastic.
3.  If everything’s dry and you are sure of the orientation of the inner book cover/elastic piece, apply hot glue to cover and carefully adhere 1/2 book cover.  I also put some heavy books on it while it dried.  Just say no to lumps!

No Sew Tutu

If you know me well, you know two things about me:

1.  I love upcycling

2.  I avoid sewing whenever possible.

What does this tutu have to do with these confessions?

1.  I had to ask around if anyone had any tulle because there was no way I was going to BUY tulle to make a fluffy project that no house resident would wear.  Marie and her amazing garage of wonders had some tulle left over from a Anica's baby shower. 

2.  A No-sew project -- yay!  Wait, I lied.  I had to sew the ends of the no-roll elastic together.  A *Mostly* no-sew project!  All you need to know is how to do a lark's head knot (and I bet you do). 

I'm also trying to find cool, usable gifts that the kids can make themselves.  This one can definitely be done for little girl cousins who like fluffy things.