09 March 2011

A Little Bit of Whimsy


If you've been tuning in, I'm making pompoms!

All from a blah, empty ribbon spool...

And some yarn scored at a yard sale.

TADA! Look at what I made.
Pretty pompoms all in a row.

They make playful accents to some
flea market-sourced accessories.

Indeed, somebody else's trash is my treasure!

08 March 2011

Warmly Ever After


Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
This week, it's all about an empty ribbon spool...

...that I turned into a pompom maker.
{Details are in yesterday's post}

This pompom project is perfect for my stash of yarn.
{I got a whole box-full at a garage sale for only $2!}

And here's another idea on how
to use the pompoms:

I took an old, blah-looking beanie...

And sewed on a colorful pompom.
TADA!

It's a quick way to update cold-weather hats
owned by any kid or adult.

Have a nice day!

07 March 2011

Pompom Parade


Howdy Friends!

This week on blah to TADA!,
there's a parade of pompoms.

It's been ages since I made pompoms
and I'm reviving this craft
because of these:

I have a bunch of empty ribbon spools.
They're perfect tools to make
pompoms.

First, gently detach the cardboard circles from the center. Then attach both circles together with hot glue to make a sturdy ring. Cut a slit on one end that goes all the way through the center hole.

Get some yarn and tightly wind it through the slit and around the ring. Just make a single row/layer so that the length of the yarn will be uniform all around the finished pompom. Once you have enough yarn {a little over half the size of the ring}, cut off the source of the yarn and tuck in the loose end.
Introduce a new piece of yarn. I'm using red yarn for demonstration purposes only; use the same color as the pompom you're making. Insert the new piece through the yarn on the ring.

The new piece of yarn should end up on the other end of the ring, parallel to the slit. Make a knot with the two ends, as tight as you can.

With a sharp pair of scissors, cut against the yarn on the outer end of the ring. Cut all the way through.

Remember the knot you made? Make it tighter.
Then make a second knot.
Trim any excess yarn.

Release the pompom from the ring and fluff it up.

TADA! You made a pompom!

Attach it to a chain & now you have
an adorable keyring!
TADA!

04 March 2011

Little Lantern Parade


Friday has arrived -- whoopee!

Do you remember this paper chain made
of toilet paper towel rolls?

I used it as a party decoration.
But I want to change its look for
the next party that I'm planning.

I'm bringing in more empty paper towel rolls
to accomplish my mission.
Aren't they so blah?

But look, they're now TADA!

I cut the roll in half. Painted them. Added
some paper tails & flowers, then finished off
with some string to attach to the paper chain.

Tada! Does this say "Party" or what?

Have a great weekend!


03 March 2011

Wrist-y Business


If you've been following my blog, you know that
I like making jewelry from recycled odds & ends.
I've made earrings, necklaces, brooches and cuffs:

Here's one I made using the cardboard ring that once
contained packing tape.

And here's another one made of covered bottle caps.

I've got a little crush on a good black cuff, so it's no surprise
that I'm making another one.

This time using these blah empty paper towel rolls.

It's simple: Cut the paper towel roll into rings
{about 6 to 8 pieces}.

Make a slit on one end of each ring.

Pile them on top of each other to make a letter C,
gluing them together as you go along.
Use a binder clip if necessary to hold these in place.
Once the glue has dried, trim the excess cardboard
for a clean edge.

Then cover the cardboard cuff with fabric scraps
in the color of your choosing.

Now the fun part -- decorating!

I sewed on clear beads, silver findings and
this antique-looking clasp.

The clasp helps tighten the cuff.
I suggest you wear the cuff first & mark the area
where you want to place the clasps before
sewing them on.

A ribbon & buckle, a button & elastic tape or a
lock & chain are possible alternatives to help you
adjust the size and add decorative value as well.

Happy crafting!

02 March 2011

Sending Kisses


Today, I have a new idea to transform a lowly
paper towel roll...

...from blah to...

...Tada!
It's now an envelope!

I made a cover for both ends with
cardboard {old cereal box}.
One end was permanently sealed with
hot glue. The other end can be
removed -- because we have to
put goodies inside!
Then finish with a coat of paint.

Then sneak in a letter.

And don't forget the Kisses.
And the confetti.

The roll isn't sturdy enough to survive mailing so I highly
suggest to give it to the recipient in person.
Now that's TADA!

01 March 2011

Hug-A-Wrap


It's all about empty paper towel rolls on my blog this week.

No more paper towels.
What a blah.

Wrapping paper that constantly unfurls like it has a mind of its own.
Blah.

Cut the paper towel rolls into small rings.

Then slip a ring over the rolled wrapping paper.

TADA! It keeps the paper in place without
the need for sticky tape or rubber bands that
can leave marks or creases on the paper.
Just like a hug!