Saving money when crafting

This post is different to my normal posts, as there is no tutorial. This post is purely about my thoughts (and some of my tricks) for saving money when being creative. I have decided to do this as many people let their creativity slide due to not thinking they can afford to be crafty.

Making applique patches out of left over fabric

Do you find, like me, you end up with 10cm of fabric left after making a project that you can't bear to throw out because of the super cute print? Ever wondered what to do with that odd shaped half circle left on your fabric after cutting out your pattern?

If so, I have the perfect solution for you. recycle these little pieces in to iron on applique patches to use in the future. They make a great on hand item to decorate your wares, or several can be used together as a gift for a crafty friend.

Chevron beaded necklace

Unfortunately I have been having some computer issues over the last few weeks so haven't been able to post any of the tutorials I have been furiously creating in the background, so prepare for several at once :)

This tutorial will show you how to make a simple chevron style beaded necklace using just a few materials.

Guest blogger - Felt wall toys

Today's tutorial was written by guest blogger Jen :)

 

Felt Wall Toys – Tutorial

 

You will need:

Brightly coloured felt pieces

 For the Mushroom: Red, Gold and White

 For the Fish: Orange and Royal Blue

 For the Dinosaur: Grass green

Embellishments: sequins, ribbons, ricrac braid etc

Parchment/baking paper to make a template

Stuffing

Optional: light cardboard for stiffness

Optional: rattle inserts, squeaks, crinkle paper

Optional: fabric paints, adhesives

Strong thread

Needles, pins

Sew-on Velcro (fluffy side only)

3M picture hanging strips to attach to wall

Simple bead container

I love to make things with beads, but often struggle to keep the beads that I am working with neat, so came up with this simple bead container. The texture of the fabric helps to keep the beads in place and the shape of the container prevents them from spilling on to the floor. These containers would also be perfect for displaying items for sale at markets, and make great crystal containers in their spare time.

One item, three projects, or what you can make with a cup

For today's tutorial I thought I would try something a little different. I started with two different colours of pencil cups (clear and black) and made three completely different projects.

What I started with



And what I created

A masculine pen holder

A girls hair brush holder

And a pop art inspired candle holder.

Semi precious crystal chip bracelet

Today's tutorial will show you how to make a bracelet featuring semi precious crystal chips and glass crystal beads. This is a great way to make jewellery out of left over crystal chips or broken jewellery.

All natural dream catcher

Todays project will teach you how to make a beautiful dream catcher similar to the one pictured below.

 

What makes this dream catcher unique is it is made entirely of natural materials.

 

Floating crystal necklace tutorial

Todays tutorial will show you how to make an elegant floating crystal necklace. This tutorial utilises glass crystal beads and crimp bead covers for a polished, professional look.

 

Asymetrical leather cuff bracelet tutorial

Today's tutorial is a nice and simple one, and uses leftover odd shapes of leather to make a unique asymetrical cuff.

 

 

Leather hair bind tutorial

I have recently obtained heaps of leather offcuts from a former furniture designer, so have been furiously crafting my heart out. One of the simpler projects I have made is a leather hair bind. It works just like a hair tie except...well, it's leather :)

 

Your finished project will look something like this. You will have to excuse the lack of an action shot, but I am yet to master the art of taking a good photo of the back of my own head.

 

Mini desk reminder tutorial

I was running a bit late making my tutorial for this week. I have had so much to do recently that this almost slipped past. This led me to an idea, making a mini self standing reminder flip pad for my desk. It is simple and requires few materials, but exactly what I need to get myself organised. The same idea could also be used for housework or kids chores. I plan on making another of these for a 30 day exercise challenge I am beginning soon. For something different, you can even substitute photos for the pages in this tutorial.

Shoes refashion

On a trip to my local K-Mart, I found a pair of shoes which were marked down to two dollars for being 'shop soiled' (A.K.A broken). Not one to pass up a bargain, I knew with a few alterations, they could become a unique pair of super cute shoes. The techniques I used can also be used to give old shoes a bit of a make over.

 

Here's what I started with

 

And here is the finished product.

 

 

Read on for the tutorial :)

 

Bonus 2 minute earring tutorials (X2)

Hi Guys

 

As I have just started, my blog is looking a little empty. Therefore, I am giving you two bonus tutorials today to make it look a little fuller :)

 

These tutorials are for two simple to make, yet totally different, pairs of earrings

 

Firstly, the spiked earrings

 

And second, the angel earrings

 

The 'Leftovers' bracelet

Hi guys, and welcome to my first tutorial on this blog.

 

Today I am showing you how to make a leftovers bracelet. It is called leftovers, because you can use any leftover beads and charms in your stash to make it.

 

Here is what my bracelet looked like when complete. Yours will look different, based on the materials you use to make it

 

Colour in pages for grown ups

Hi Everyone

Just for something fun, before I begin with my tutorials, here are 5 free adult colouring in pages. They are geometric patterns I drew by hand then digitally enhanced. Feel free to print out as many as you would like and share with your friends. All I ask is you do not sell these images and, if sharing, let the people you share with know where they came from. If you would like a free PDF sent to you containing these and other similar images, just email me on DidItMyself@hotmail.com.au.

To save images, just right click on the desired image and select 'save as'.

My very first post

Hi Crafters of the Internet,

My name is Nicole, and I love making crafts. I have experience with sewing, jewellery making, painting, drawing and sculpting among other things. I have been making things for years, and have learned a lot through online tutorials. I figure it is about time I gave back to the community that gave so much to me, so I have created this blog :).

My aim is to share tips, tricks and tutorials for many of the crafts I do. I am hoping to post a new tutorial at least once a week, and plan to make video tutorials to go along with most of these, which I will post on YouTube and link to here. I will also post tips and tricks whenever I come across something that seems share worthy.

As I am just starting out, I appreciate any feedback you want to provide. Feel free to contact me on DidItMyself@hotmail.com.au or by commenting on my posts here. You can also feel free to let me know about any tutorials or tips you would like to see here.

-Nicole