Misc. Neat Ideas

[Spacegirl99]

Have a neat craft idea that you'd like to share? Post them here!

[billig]

I just saw this link in my BHG email. It shows taking a big old wooden picture frame, using 2 pieces of clear plexiglas or glass and putting dried leaves between the glass, screw in molding on the back and attach handles and you have a serving tray.
But you could put lots of neat things in there... like pictures, old doilies grandma made, pretty old christmas cards arranged, there could be lots of gift ideas.
Next time I allow myself to go to Goodwill on $1.49 Tuesdays I'm gonna hunt down some serving tray shaped frames.

Autumn Serving Tray (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/13679.xml)

[Jskell911]

I have found a great craft in altering Mason Jars. These are glass jars that are typically used for canning. I have made several myself and have used most in gift giving. This guide will give step by step instructions for making one and also give ideas on how you can use your completed project.

First you will need to get some mason jars. You can find them at craft stores, flea markets, and yard sales. You may even have a few in your basement! These jars come in a variety of sizes and any size will be fine.
Now, here is a list of supplies you may want to have on hand:


Your Mason Jar
Acrylic Paints
Mod Podge or similar decoupage Medium
Tissue Papers or Rice Papers
Yarn Fibers
And any other embellishments you like



The first step I take is to pick a theme and paint the jar accordingly. For example I did a jar with an oriental theme and painted the jar a deep green and tan.
Let the paint dry. This will not take too long as acrylics dry rather quickly.
Apply your papers, stickers, etc and coat with a thin layer of glue.
When you have decorated the glass part completely, cover the surface with your decoupage medium.
While you let that dry, you can start working on the lid. You can paint it, cover it with more papers, or leave it as is.
Now, for a festive look, take the yarn fibers (about 3 lengths) and glue them around the outer edge of the lid. Let the lenghts dangle down like ribbons.

Ok, now you have the finished project. Looking pretty good, but what the heck do you do with it???? Here are a few ideas:


Cut a slit in the top of the lid and use it as a bank
Fill it with dry ingredients from a recipe. Attach the recipe card to the dangling yarn fibers. Use as a gift!
Fill with a larger candle for a great illumination.
Fill it with handwritten coupons for a loved one.
Use it as a coffee or tea cannister

There are so many different uses! I'm sure you will come up with even more.
http://i17.ebayimg.com/05/s/08/ag/55/55_2.JPG

[billig]

On this site you can print this pdf that shows you where to fold a 1 sheet letter into it's own envelop!
No glue neccesary, the only flap will be held down with the stamp!

Letterfu - Letter-writing without envelopes, cutting or glue (http://www.letterfu.com/layouts.php)

[teachme2Bcheap]

I just made a purse out of a book. I got the idea from Haute handbags magazine. You take a hardcover book that you don't want to read, whatever size you want, and take out the pages. You are left with the boards and spine. You can cover these with fabric, or you can decoupage the outside and line the inside with fabric. I used a hot glue gun (and burned myself!) to glue the fabric inside and out. I made straps and hot glued them between the outside and lining fabric. Then, I drilled button holes through the outside fabric, board, glue, straps, and lining fabric and laced a button over each strap on the outside for added strength. I used a frog to close the top. Oh, you also have to cut gussets out to put on the sides, I also hot glued these. It sounds kind of complicated but it's really not and if you want to do something with all the junk you have sitting around it is a good idea. If you want more details, message me!

[Mothernature]

I am making a bean bag toss as a Valentine Days present for DS.

I cut out four small and four large flap pockets from two different outgrown DS's colored shorts. I filled each pocket with a sandwich bag of either rice or Elbow Macaroni (total cost $1.50). I took two boxes and cut out the same size square.

DS will love this; we've been pent up to due the relentless winter season.