• Blog - Crafts - Creativity - Tutorials

    Recycled T-shirt bags

    t-shirt

    First of all, I have to admit that this is not my original idea. I’ve seen many versions of this on Pinterest.    box pleat

    But after going through the kids clothes and coming up with 2+ garbage bags full to pass along to a friend, it inspired me to keep a couple school shirts for this project.

    This project couldn’t be an easier. I turned the shirt inside out then stitched the bottom closed.  Next was the box pleat to create a flat bottom. Basically you sew perpendicular to the bottom seam at each corner. You end up with a triangle of fabric that is not usable bag space. Gosh, I think I’m making that more complicated than it really is!! Here’s a link that shows the process if I just confused you.

    Anyway…then I turned the shirt back right side out and cut off the sleeves and made a scoop cut at the neckline. No pattern just start cutting. We all know what a plastic handle bag from the grocery or discount store looks like….that’s what you are going for in shape.

    All in all, not too shabby for a few minutes work. It saved a couple of shirts from the rag pile since  they’d likely never be worn again.

    Little J claimed the lime green one as soon as she returned home. It was her shirt to begin with so now it will continue to serve her in a different capacity.

  • Blog - Crafts

    Cleaning led to cards

    20130217_1424

    Little J and I have been on a cleaning and organizing mission lately. Yesterday, it was in the craftroom. We got both work surfaces completed cleaned and organized.

    I should have taken a picture…darn.

    Anyway, my mom had picked a bunch of my blank greeting cards and asked if I’d make them into birthday cards for her with stamps, labels etc.
    She likes them ready made…no need to write to much these days.  Just teasing…

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    After completing those,  I was inspired to keep going. 20130217_1426 20130217_1427 20130217_1428 20130217_1429

    Of course, those pesky chores like meal prep and laundry made me stop for a while.

    Little J isn’t going to be too happy with me when she gets back from the neighbors. I’ve succeeded in making a mess of the work surfaces again.

    Maybe I can knock out a few more cards then get it all cleaned up before she gets home….or not. 🙂

  • Blog - Crafts

    Blessings

    We had a wonderful Christmas! 
    Family over for both Christmas Eve and Day.
    Laughed lots, ate too much, made a mess opening gifts, played games and visited until my throat was scratchy.
    I had to  show you one of the centerpieces from our table. I saw this on Pinterest and loved it. So bright and early Christmas morning I stepped outside to trim some greens from the bushes. I’m sure any neighbors that spotted me though I was nuts. It was 0°F at the time.
    Greens in a mason jar…add water and fresh cranberries which are ever so kind to float. 
    Drop in a floating candle. Ta-da…
    Simple and festive.