Crafted by Us

This is the first video in our Twelve Days of Christmas series where we feature craft projects for Christmas decor and gifts. This episode shows how to make a cute paper stocking banner. To follow along, gather these supplies: Scissors Pencil Quick dry adhesive - I used Scotch brand. A hot glue gun would work too. Glue stick Several paper bags Tulle - I used about 3.5 feet Vintage text - I used pages from and old law book Silver Stickles Ribbon - I used Bo-Bunny ribbon. Love it. If you don't want to draw your stocking you can download the stocking template.

In this episode, Michelle gathers bits and pieces of felted fabric to create super cute cupcakes.     To follow along, gather these supplies:     Scraps of felted fabric Scissors Embroidery floss Embroidery needle Pencil Stuffing or batting Circle templates (measuring cups work great) Fabric glue (Fabri-tac is a great brand) Large bead     A rough template for the three cupcake pieces can be found here. Fabric glue can be found at most craft stores.      

    The super fun needle felted buddies will put an instant smile on your face once you finish them. To follow along with this show gather these supplies: Foam pad Needle felting needle Wool rovings Embroidery needle Embroidery floss Scissors You can purchase a complete needle felting kit as well as fiber for your needle felted "Buddies" at the Crafted by Us online shop.  

A Scrabble tile charm is an easy project that can be hung from a chain or added to a charm bracelet. Join Michelle as she shows you how to create these cute charms in just a few simple steps. To follow along, gather these supplies: Scrabble tile Diamond glaze Image (I used an ArtChix image) Sanding block Scissors E6000 (adhesive for gluing bales) Glue on bales Sharpie Glue stick Wax paper (used to protect work surface) I often use collage sheets from ArtChix but just love what Debrina sells in her Etsy shop, LandofEnchantment. I also shop on Etsy for my bales. I really like the ones I just bought from Sun and Moon. You can also find diamond glaze through a search on Etsy, or purchase it from my online store. ***If you would like to be entered in a drawing for one of five charms, just leave a comment. I will be drawing names around May 27th.***

Once again Michelle shows you a project where you get to melt stuff! This time we will melt wax. Using some very basic materials and techniques, Michelle shows you how to make two wax collages featuring flowers. To follow along with this show, gather these supplies: Encaustic wax in clear a white colors Brush to use just for wax - not synthetic Heat source to melt wax Heat gun Substrate - I used wood squares Oil paint Various scraps of scrapbook paper Paper towels Linseed oil Scissors Carving tool - I used a bamboo skewer Are you interested in the book I mentioned? Check out my bookstore for that book as well as all the others I have discussed in my shows. Visit my online storewhere you will find some wax art materials.       Visit Daniel Smith for other encaustic supplies as well as brushes and oil paint. I love the variety of materials they offer! Oh, and if you want to find the magazines I showed you, check out Cloth Paper Scissors and Somerset Studio.

In this episode, we once again melt plastic bags for the foundation of our project. Using some basic sewing Michelle creates a fun sleeve for an iPad.   To follow along, gather up these supplies: 4-6 plastic grocery bags Iron Ironing board Cotton quilt batting (I used Warm Co. batting purchased at my local craft/quilt store) Sewing machine Thread (I used cheap cotton thread I found in my sewing box) Scissors Ruler Pencil Two large sheets of paper Sticky backed velcro   The official dimensions for the iPad are: Height: 9.56 inches (242.8 mm) Width: 7.47 inches (189.7 mm) Depth: 0.5 inch (13.4 mm) Use these measurements as a guide for how big your fabric should be. The piece of plastic/fabric used to make the sleeve in this show measured about 25 inches x 10 inches before it was trimmed down to size after it was sewn.     Also, don't forget to check out the book I mentioned in the show "Beyond-the-Square Crochet Motifs: 144 circles, hexagons, triangles, squares, and other unexpected shapes (Spiral-bound)" available in my Amazon bookstore.      

I have a fun and colorful project for today's show. By mixing a variety of papers and assorted colors of wax, I create a bright, inspiring wax covered collage.       To follow along, gather these supplies: Variety of papers for background   Focal image (I used a collage sheet from Teesha Moore) Wood board for foundation of collage Purified beeswax Pigment wax cubes Hot wax art stylus Melting pot Heat gun Scissors   Paper towels Dedicated paintbrush for wax Sanding block Rub ons You may already have most of these materials in your craft supplies. If you are looking for hot wax art supplies you can find a lot of them at my online store at shop.craftedby.us or at some craft stores.

  This cute holiday wall hanging is a very easy and fun to make. Join Michelle as she combines some vintage text and some glitter to make this project. To follow along you will need these items: Yes paste or a glue stickAbout 9 or 10 sheets of vintage text paperSmall staplerStickles - I used silverGlue brushCraft scissorsPinking shearsCardboard - 1 sheet at least 10x10 in. and another at least 4x4 in.Tulle - about 12 inchesRibbon - about 6 inchesStaz On ink - I used brownWalnut InkPaper towelsWater Most of these supplies can be found at your local craft store or at our Crafted by Us online store.

Join Michelle and her daughter Sarah as they create a no-sew fleece blanket. This super easy project is something you can make in less than an hour. It is also a great project to do with the kids. If you are looking for something to make as a Christmas gift then you will want to give this a try. To follow along, gather these supplies: 2 - 1 1/2 to 2 yd pieces of fleece fabric scrap cardboard cut to 4x4 square and 4x1 rectangle Sharp scissors

For this 50th episode of Crafted by Us we have a fun Fabric and Fiber Friday project. We blend a bit of colorful felt with beads to create charms for a lovely bracelet. To follow along with this episode you will need: Felt Head pins Beads Jump rings "Blank" bracelet Nylon beading thread Sewing needle Wire cutter Round nose pliers (?) Regular pliers Small clamp Paper piecer or awl Scissors So gather up your scrap felt pieces and beads and lets make a bracelet!   **Want to check out our new online store? Visit the Crafted by Us online shop. While we don't have everything you might want, we might have the one thing you can't live without so come on in and take a look!**

This projects uses the JustRite - Round Monogram Stamper Kit to create simple monogramed napkins and coasters for a wedding. This is a great idea to add a personal touch to items without spending a lot of money. And it is super easy too! To follow along you will need: JustRite - Round Monogram Stamper Kit (you can get these at local and online craft and scrapbook stores, AND at http://shop.craftedby.us) Staz On refill ink (again, try local and online craft and scrapbook stores, AND at http://shop.craftedby.us) Napkins Coasters (I bought these from http://www.blockheadstamps.com/) Coaster size stamp (http://www.blockheadstamps.com/) Also, for some more coaster stamping inspiration check Blockheads Stamps coaster section.    

In this episode Michelle blunders through making a purse. One that she has made dozens of times but has never tried to show someone else how to make. Despite the minor goofs you will still be able to make a purse of your own. To follow along, gather these materials: 1 1/4 yard of fabric for outside of purse 1 1/4 yard of fabric for inside, preferably coordinating fabric sewing machine thread large piece of paper to draw a pattern ruler pencil fabric scissors pinking shears pins Also, if you have already watched the show you may have noticed a tiny problem with the pattern. Because I sew the side up with 1/4 inch seam allowance, the right side is 1/4 of an inch skinnier than the left. I don't think it matters that much and I certainly can't see it in the finished piece. But you may want to adjust your pattern accordingly. Remember, if you would like to own this purse just leave me a comment. I will be doing a drawing for it on September 11th.

In this episode I show you how to make a quick and cute bookmark with a minimal amount of materials. To follow along gather these supplies: Scraps of paper (finished size is 2x6 inches) Corner punch Hole punch Inchie stamp and acryclic block Ink pad Glue stick Scissors Ribbon (about 7 inches or so)   That's it! This might be a fun project to do with your children to get them in the "back to school" spirit.     If you are in the area on September 5th, we will be making these in the shop and your are welcome to join us. To find out more check out our class schedule.

In this quick episode I share with how to put together the Round Monogram Stamper by JustRite. I just bought one to use for a project I am making for my sister-in-law's wedding and thought you might be interested in seeing how to get the stamper started. To follow along you will need only one thing! The Round Monogram Stamper by JustRite. You might be able to find one at your local scrapbook store are you can order one online from your favorite online scrapbook/craft store, or at the Crafted by Us online store. In the near future I will be sharing with you how I use the stamper and another stamp (from Blockhead Stamps) to make some cool coasters.  

In this episode we create a small crocheted bag which acts as a focal point for a necklace. Using a simple stitch and some basic craft items you will have a one of a kind necklace. To follow along, gather these supplies: #4 metal crochet hook waxed linen thread scissors beads small charm