Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Polka-Dot Bread Tag Earrings


Take your Basic Bread Tag Earrings, double them up, and add polka-dots.

Use the instructions on the Basic earrings, and add the following:


Items needed:  two different colored bread tags, but of the same size and shape (and use all other items listed on the basic earrings instruction)

1. Heat versa-tool on safe surface, and melt tiny holes in one color (this will be on top of the other color, so it's your preference).  Do not melt the hole for the jump ring yet.

Note:  After melting the holes, there is a tiny rim (melted plastic) that comes off easily by using the open edge of your scissors, and slicing it over the hole to remove it (carefully). 


2. Holding the two colors together, melt the hole for the jump ring.  By doing this, the plastic melts together, holding the two pieces of bread tags together.  If you prefer, you can always add a tiny dab of strong glue between them, at the bottom.


Note:  I inserted my heated versa-tool tip, from the darker colored side.  This will prevent your tool from bringing the the darker color to the front side (we used the black on the back, and white on the front, to create the black polka-dots).


3.  Proceed in attaching jump rings and earring piece. 

 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Scrap Art Earrings ~ Using Plastic Bread Tags



Basic Bread Tag Earrings 
(Pierced Ears)


Make these for yourself, for gifting, or sell them.  My daughter is selling these handmade earrings at this year's Farmer's Market.

Items you need:


~one plastic bread tag
~sharp scissors
~two jump rings (your preference)
~earrings of your choice (fishhook, lever back, or other)
~jewelry pliers
~versa-tool  and safe work surface


1.  Cut the bread tag in half as shown, using sharp scissors


2.  Heat your versa tool, and carefully melt a tiny hole in the top of each cut bread tag.

3.  When bread tags have cooled, gently remove any melted plastic from the edge of the hole you just melted (if needed).


4. Using your jewelry pliers, bend your jump rings open, attach one to the bread tag, attach a second ring (we used a smaller jump ring), then attach to your earring piece.   This also depends on the top of earring piece you use.

Note:  There are so many tutorials on attaching jump rings, that I did not repeat those here.  For more information enter "attach jump rings" in your search box.  Jewelry supplies can be purchased in most craft aisles of larger stores, in hobby/craft stores, and on-line.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

St. Patrick's Day Table Decor/Treat Container

We made these cute table decorations/treat containers from empty, plastic pudding containers.  

Simply wash and dry the container.  Paint it green (acrylic paint), and allow it to dry.  Cut a belt and buckle from black and yellow construction paper, and shape a shamrock, using green chenille stem.  We used white tacky glue to attach our items.

For a treat container, simply turn upside down, fill with treats, and cover the top with a cut piece of black construction paper (using glue to attach the "cover").  

Treat containers are a fun way to extend school class parties, offer adults a small guest gift as they leave a party, or simply use them for an inexpensive treat for anyone.   

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Clothespin Bag ~ Quick Repair


I found a quick repair solution to my broken clothespin bag.  The tab of material and hook came loose.  I repaired it two times, and in a pinch, I used a plastic clothing hanger.  

These types of hangers (from stores) are not accepted at any recycling centers in our area. I typically ask the sales clerk to keep them.

I used a clothing hanger that was straight, for hanging pants, and simply inserted it inside the clothespin bag.  

Monday, March 4, 2013

Recycled Denim Jeans ~ Crocheted Rag Rug

I crocheted a rag rug using strips of old denim jeans.  For this rug, I used a variety of jeans material, and different colors.  


I used the pattern that is in this bookNot Your Mama's Crochet, by Amy Swenson.

This is the page, with the photo from the above book.  Other than my jeans being more faded, it turned out pretty close to the one in the book. 


Although, I was not impressed with the finished size (using the pattern), it was perfect to put in front of my bathtub.  However, in the future, I will be adding more to the rug, by extending the rounds of the pattern.

Two tips:  Cutting jeans is messy, and you will have bits of it all over as you cut and crochet.  If you don't have any old jeans to cut up, you can find inexpensive denim clothing at thrift stores.  

There are many crochet patterns in this book, including jewelry and a purse crocheted from recycled plastic shopping bags.