Distressed Flowers - Details about Spring Kits

Let's talk about the details of Spring shall we?  All the embellishments add a lot of dimension and fun.  There are a few little details that I thought would be fun to show you how to do. 

Here's how I made my flowers. 

Step 1:  Find all your pieces*.  There are two six-petal flowers, two larger circles and two smaller circles.  Good job!  (*These papers are different then your kit.  Please refer to the photo for the correct papers for your kit.)



Step 2:  You are going to distress the edges of your circle.  You can do it either by using a little distressing tool or your fingers.  I really like the Tim Holtz paper distresser.  It's been quite handy.  I found it Heartland Paper recently and I like it much better then my old Heidi Swapp one.  If you have a distresser like this, just rough up your edges.  Otherwise, use your fingernail to scrap along the edges of your circle to rough it up.  You can even get the paper just a titch wet to help the process along a little bit.  Be careful not to tear your paper and let them dry completely before you glue them together.

Step 3:  Crumple all of your pieces.  I love the dimension it adds!

 Step 4:  Layer and glue your flower together.  I like glue dots or hot glue since they are quick. 


Add your top embellishments and glue to your letters. So cute!

Other details, bend all the butterflies wings out and/or roll under and use a pop dot underneath them.  Tie a bow to the upper part of the letter "S" and glue a cream butterfly on top of it, then glue the patterned butterfly on and add two gold pearls.

Use a dab of hot glue on the back of the birds beak and hold the wire in place until glue cools down.  Then glue the flower to the end of the wire.  Tie a ribbon the birds stand and your little set is complete!  

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  Thank you and enjoy! 

Let's Make that Pleated Flower for the Birds Tutorial

If you aren't familiar in how to make these pleated circle flowers, let's take a quick minute to show you how.  They are super simple and fun to make in all sizes, colors and mediums.  Mmmkay, here we go:

Step 1:  Locate your 1/2" x 12" strip.  Got it?  Good!  Phew, that was the hard step!  I kid, I kid.  Just looking for a reason why I took this oh so important photo.

Step 2:  Crease your strip every 1/4" inch either by hand or with a scoring tool.  I love my Martha Stewart scoring board.  They can be found locally at Michael's and Ben Franklin's for about $20.  Veeeery much worth it my book!  If you don't have a scoring tool, no biggie, just fold your paper mountain and valley style by hand making sure you make nice crisp folds. 

Step 3: If you haven't folded your paper, fold it mountain/valley style now.  You will now have an accordion folded strip now.

Step 4:  Using a strong adhesive, glue your ends together to form a circle.  I used my hot glue gun since it was handy, but I also like Scor Tape.  Who am I kidding.  I LOVE Scor Tape!!  (FYI, Kathy sells it on her blog.  Woot!)

Step 5: Here's the tricky part.  Push your circle inwards to flatten out the paper into a pleated circle.  Glue strong glue to one of your circles and press into the center and hold it there until the glue dries.  I always use hot glue since it's quick and easy.  Just don't burn yourself.  Ouch! 

Step 6:  Glue a circle onto the top, embellish and voila! All done!

Paper Flower Tutorial - or - How to make that awesome flower on your Happy Easter Kit

Thank you all that signed up for my classes!  I've had a lot of fun meeting you and getting to know you.   There were a lot of kits this time due to it being Spring break so I just wanted to pop in and show you a few techniques that I used to complete these kits.  First up, the Easter tutorial.  There is a large, dimensional flower on the Easter blocks.   There is no real set way to do this but this is how I like to do it. 

First, grab your largest flower* and crumple it to give it texture.  (In these photos, I did this as the 2nd step but I have since found that I like it better when I do it first. )  You can do this as much or as little as you would like.  I like to crease each petal in half. (*Please note that this flower is not the same as your kit. Your kit will have the large hot pink flowers, the second flower will be similar with writing or ledger lines, the 3rd flower is the numbers and the little flower is dark green.)

Next, wrap each petal around a smooth round object like a pencil, pen or dowel.  This flower, I rolled each petal in since I wanted my flower to come out. 

Your flower will look something like this.  If it looks a little too much like a dead spider, no worries, just flatten it out a little bit.

Do the same with the other large flower found in your kit and then layer each flower on top of each other making sure that the petals overlap.

Crumple up your next flower and repeat the technique above.  Crumple, flatten, roll.

 Layer on the flowers.  Secure with glue dot or paper adhesive of your choice.  I often used a light layer from my glue gun.

Repeat with your next flower.  Repeat after me, crumple. flatten, roll. 

Top with your smallest flower.  Make sure that everything is glued together securely. 

Top your flower with one of your larger gems and adhere to your letter with paper adhesive, pop dot or your glue gun.  Whatever floats your boat friends! 

It's easiest to place your flower first and then add your leaves.  So, let's get those leaves made shall we?  Crumple your leaves for texture and then crease the leave in half.  Dab glue to the end of your leaf then tuck your leaves in where  you want them on your flower.  Notice that my leaves and flower go over the edge of the block.  Here's the final product:

Cute!  You've got a show stopping flower that you can brag about to your bestest buddies.

Here's the other details:  use your same crumple, roll, fold techniques on the little flower.  Fold your little butterflies wings out and use a small gem to butterfly center.   Tie the ribbons to the wings and glue to your letter then top with a gem over the hole of the ribbon ring.  (Didn't get the velvet ribbon?  Sorry!  It's at Robert's waiting for you!)

Add three smaller gems to the flowers of the bunny.  

And yer done!  If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.  Thanks!

Paper Hanging Hearts Tutorial

This is an oldie, but a goodie tutorial that I did last year for Valentine's.  Super simple and pleasing to make.  I want to make a garland out of them this year. 

Click here for the full tutorial. 

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In other news, I'm joining this challenge. 

How Does She? Feature

I'm super excited to be featured today on "How Does She?"!!  Come on over and see how I made this adorable boy chandelier.

You can have one too!  Limited number of kits  are available in my Etsy shop.   Or you can choose to order just the paper to make your own.    Also, due to popular demand, just butterflies are now available.  Please feel free to convo, email or leave a comment if you have a question. 

Thank you! 

Megan

Rocket Chandelier Tutorial

A while back, I made a pretty butterfly chandelier.  I still love it but thought that boys needed something too.  Finally, after months of letting it sit on the back burner, a rocket chandelier came to life.  My boys are so happy with it, they can't stop talking about it!

So let's learn how to make one! 

Here are the supplies that you will need:

• 
  
  3 - 12" long square wood craft sticks
• 
  
  one eye hook
• 
  
  6 striped rockets - makes three front and back
• 
  
  6 green dot rockets - makes three front and back
• 
  
  20 yellow stars
• 
  
  30 blue stars
• 
  
  13 red circles
• 
  
  windshield and flame paper details for rockets
• 
  
  5-6 yards red and white bakers twine
• 
  
  18 assorted buttons
• 
  
  glue dots
• 
  
  paper glue
• 
  
  super glue or clear craft glue
• 
  
  hot glue gun and glue stick
• 
  
  monofilament (optional)
• 
  
  1 1/2 yards ribbon

Step 1:  Gather all of your supplies.  Assemble your rockets gluing on the windshield and fire with a good paper adhesive and use glue dots to glue on two buttons for the windows. 

(rocket details)

Step 2:  You will need three 12" long square craft wood sticks to make the top of your chandelier.  I purchased one yard long light weight craft wood stick from Michaels and cut it into three even pieces.  Take two sticks and make an "x" then criss-cross your final stick on top of that making this star shape.  Hot glue your sticks together. 

(looks like it's time for a new coat of paint on my craft table!)

For added support, wrap the center of the wood with monofilament.  I used monofilament because I didn't want it to show, but I think it would also look cute wrapped with the bakers' twine, yarn or ribbon for added color. 

Step 3:  Center an eyehook through the top of the wood.  This wood is soft and light weight so this is a simple task.  Re-enforce eyehook with super glue.

Step 3: Time for the fun part!  Anchor your mobile to hang from a table or in this case, an ironing board.  Working from the inside first, tie on your bakers twine about 1/3 out from the center of the length.  Do not clip the length of the twine yet.   The center lengths alternate the red circles, yellow and blue stars only.  Using glue dots, glue on your stars and circles alternating your pattern as you would like.  I used six pieces on each length of twine.  I like to press on one side of the shape and continue down the length of the twine then go back and add another glue dot to the other side of the shape to cover the twine.  Press firmly onto the twine. 

Clip the twine with enough leftover to thread a button on the bottom. Double knot the twine and secure with a small dab of super glue.

Step 4:  Continue around the inside making four lengths on the "x" pieces only. 

Step 5:  Working your way around the outside of the chandelier, alternate your circles, stars and now rockets as you would like. 

You can decide how you like your pattern and which way you want your rockets to fly.  I alternated my rockets facing right and left respectively.  Add buttons to the bottom of the twine as stated above.  Glue on back of rockets with paper adhesive.  Continue till you fill the chandelier up. 

Step 6:  Bend out the edges of all of the stars for dimension.  Use a small dab of super glue on each tie of twine on the top of the chandelier to secure. 

Step 7:  Install a hook into the ceiling where you want to mount it.  Thread your ribbon through the eyehook and tie your ribbon to the length that you want.   Hang and enjoy!   

My boys have been thrilled with this and I think that you would be too!  Want one exactly like this?  I have a limited number of kits available in my Etsy shop.  Be sure to share if you make one!  I can't wait to see the different variations on this.  

Butterfly Chandelier Mobile

*Please note, that the pink chandelier kit is no longer available and because of that, the butterflies are now solid cut. White butterflies kits are available for purchase in my Etsy shop.   If you don't see a listing for it, please convo me and I'll set you one up. Custom orders are welcomed! Want a different color and/or size? Feel free to convo me or email me at megitys@gmail.com.

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Supplies

• butterflies ( please note that only solid butterflies are now available in your kits)
• fishing line
• a 12" hoop (wood hoop shown, metal hoop provided in your kit)
• craft wire
• 15+ yards of ribbon and tulle
• small eye hook
• 1 package of Mini Glue Dots ( Not included in kit - found at local craft stores)

Let the fun begin!!

Step 1: Take your hoop and make a criss-cross shape with your wire. Make sure it's secure and centered evenly. Mine doesn't appear to be centered, but believe me, it is!

Step 2:  Beginning with the center of the chandelier, tie one end of your fishing line to it. Do not clip the length yet, just leave it attached to your spool. Use one glue dot on the center of a butterfly, center it over your fishing line and press the other butterfly on top.  Notice that your kit includes two different types of cut out butterflies.  The solid butterfly attaches to the back with the detailed butterfly on top.  Continue down until you are satisfied with the length. Mine alternated from lengths of four and five butterflies. Once satisfied with the length, clip the fishing line.   I found it easiest to attach the butterflies while the hoop is hanging. I secured mine to dangle off the side of the table with a very official crafting tool, a Tonka crane toy. This Tonka toy is not necessary, you may use anything you want to secure it. :)

Step 3: Continue attaching butterflies using the above technique working your way from the inside out. The order used was the center of the cross wires, then each corner where the wire was attached to the hoop and finally one or two strands in between each corner. Fill in your chandelier as much or as little as you want.

Step 4: Tie tulle to the top of your hoop on each corner where the wire is. Be generous in your length so that you can make a full bow. Knot the tulle together and then make two large bows with the excess.

Step 5: Fill in the rest of the hoop by tying the ribbons into simple knots. This looks best with several different styles of ribbons and the knots going in different directions. I used a satin, tulle, sheer and grosgrain in soft creams and perfect creamy pink.

Step 6: Voila! The most adorable butterfly chandelier!   Hang and enjoy!*  Now go forth and create for those you procreated!

Any questions? 

Please feel free to email me at megitys@juno.com. 

*If hanging the chandelier over a crib, be sure to hang out of reach of baby. This chandelier is over an infants crib and although it may not appear to be, it is still high enough that the baby will not be able to reach when able to stand.

Safety first!

made by the mama monster guest post

hi! i'm jackie from made by the mama monster. i'm a stay at home mama to three little boys. they keep me busy, but in my spare time i try to get some crafting in. it seems like the time for crafting is getting fewer and farther between. i like to make things that i can work on with my boys around .short and sweet.

megan asked me to guest post over here at megitys handmade and she pretty much told me i had to do my hedgehog applique. i usually do what people tell me...

supplies-
-some sort of fusible stuff. i love steam a seam. it is a bit more expensive but it is so worth it. you could also use fabric glue, wonder under, whatever.
-fabric and felt
-some embroidery floss
-template

ok, here we go. print off template. i like to do it on cardstock so it holds up well. fuse your fabric to your steam a seam using instructions provided. trace your hedgehog onto the paper side of the webbing. remember that he will be backwards so trace him the way you want him to face ( or use a disappearing marker and trace him directly onto the fabric.)

how easy is that? some visit me over at my place and see some of my other tutorials. thanks megan for inviting me over to your awesome blog.

Ruffle Bumsies How-To

Ruffle Bumsies How To

If you aren't making your babies bums ruffly by now, here's how I made mine.  Now you have no excuses to not ruffle that darling round baby rump.

Here's what you will need:

• Onesies of your choice.  I simply used a package of white onesies, but there are some colored  $3 onesies at Wal-Mart.  I found that out after I made mine.
• Several different fat quarters to choose from.
• Scissors and/or cutting mat and rotary cutter.
• Sewing machine

And here's how I did mine:

1.  First I begged my cute friend Jackie to let me come over and serge my strips of fabric.  If you don't have a serger, don't worry about it because this can still be done!  You can do one of two things.  Either cut your strips of fabric with pinking shears to the size you want.  When it's washed, it creates a little raggy edges that are really cute on that baby bum.   Or, cut your fabric twice the width of the finished ruffle you want and simple place right sides together and sew down the long edge.  Turn right side out and then continue on with step 3 of the tutorial.  (Make sense?  Feel free to ask questions.  I won't bite!)

2.  Using fat quarters is the simplest way for me.  Since your fat quarter is already 18x24, the width is just right to make quick ruffles.  Cut several 1.5" strips along the 24" length.  Now serge these strips.  (Or cut with your pinking shears or making your tubes of fabric.)

3.  Next, turn your sewing machine's tension up and the length of your stitches as long as you can.  Leaving a long tail of thread, sew down the center of your strip.  The fabric will ruffle as it is sewn.  Be sure to leave a long tail of thread at the end too.  I always test on a piece of scrap fabric to make sure it is working right.  I don't like unpicking if I don't have too.  Now your strips will look something like this. 

4.  Work your strips to the width of your onesie.  Now would be a good idea to mark your onesie with straight lines with a fabric marker.  This will help you keep your lines straight as you pin on the ruffles.  I was feeling adventurous and didn't mark these lines.  It has nothing to do with the fact that I didn't want to go and find said marker.  Nothing. 

5.  Starting with your center ruffle, pin onto the onesie.  Folding the raw edge down, sew down the center of the ruffle.  Darling already! 

6.  Add your next ruffle above the first.  I tried to make them as close as possible since when the onesie is on that cute round baby, the ruffles spread out and you can see the white peeking out in between the ruffles.  Lifting the edge of the ruffle that was sewn down, pin the next ruffle in and sew down the center.

7.  Repeat for the third ruffle and then TA-DA!  You just made a darling ruffle bumsie!

*There are so many variations on this.  You can use all the same fabric or multiple fabrics.  You can make your widths of your ruffles smaller or bigger.  You can have more than three ruffles.  I think that this would be cute with five 1" ruffles smashed close together with the pinked edges.  This would make one fluffy and ruffley bum!

I felt that the front of the onesie need a little more so I twisted and sewed an extra strip of fabric into a little flower with a scrap of fabric for some free handed leaves.   This fabric will fray a bit in the wash but I like that unstructured look, but if you want to minimize this, just finish your ends anyway you like.

And remember the cutest hedgehog onesie ever?  I twisted Jackie's arm and made her promise me that she post a tutorial.  And guess what?  She's going to do it on my blog!  Lucky me!