crafts Archives - Page 10 of 16 - Feathers in Our Nest

Houndstooth Dress

May 26, 2011 by Aliesha

As you know, I have a thing for houndstooth. When I was at Hobby Lobby forever ago picking up materials for this project, I also snagged some awesome houndstooth fabric. I originally was going to make a paper bag skirt for myself, but I changed my mind and decided to make a dress for Vera. Here’s how it turned out:

And you’ll have to wait for me to take a picture of her modeling it! She wore it yesterday to my grandfather’s funeral, but I forgot to take a picture of her wearing it. I’ll get one soon! Update: here’s one!

It was pretty fun to make, though it took me waaaay longer than it should have for something so basic. I’m hoping to continue to making clothes for Vera as she grows, just like my mom did for me!

Pom Flowers: How-To

April 11, 2011 by Aliesha

I can’t take credit for these pom flowers (I learned the technique from Martha!), but I can teach you how to make them too!

1) Stack six to eight sheets of tissue paper (20″x30″ for large poms; cut sheets in half for medium poms). Starting with the short end of the rectangle, fold accordion-style (1″ to 1.5″ folds), creasing as you go.

2) Cut a piece of floral wire and “tie” the folded stack of tissue paper in the middle. Using sharp scissors, trim the ends to be either round or pointed.

3) Very carefully, separate each layer from the center. Fluff the pom so it’s nice and full.

4) Attach thread or monofilament to the wire and hang as desired.

These are perfect for parties, weddings, and showers!

Epic 6 Tool/Letterpress Project & Giveaway!!

April 5, 2011 by Aliesha

I’ve always been fascinated by letterpressed stationary, and I remember joking a few years ago that my daughter would probably be able to letterpress her own wedding invitations. Well, letterpressing at home has recently become quite attainable, thanks to a sweet tool from Lifestyle Crafts called the Epic 6.

I’m going to show you how I made a couple of things with it, but believe me, these will not be the last letterpressed projects you see on Feathers in Our Nest!

Start by selecting the letterpress plate you wish to use. I used the Blossoms Printing Plate. Place your letterpress paper (heavier weight than normal cardstock) on your letterpress tool and align using the guides.

Apply a small amount of letterpress ink (available in a ton of fun colors) to the ink base.

Using the ink brayer, roll the ink around the base so you get a nice even coat on the brayer. Using the adhesive sheets, stick the letterpress plate onto the letterpress tool. Apply ink to the plate using the brayer.

Fold up the letterpress tool, and roll it all through the Epic 6.

Look at how beautiful the letterpressed design looks! This is the perfect base for a card, or for another project like the next one I’ll show you. But first, let’s finish this card.

The Epic 6 can also be used to die cut using the cutting platform. I used the Nesting Scallops to cut out three circles for this card.

I then letterpressed each circle with a design.

You can then either glue your circles to the front of the card or use foam adhesive dots so they stand out from the page and have a little dimension.

The next project I want to show you is quite similar to make, but is really fun to use as a gift idea or party favor.

To make this cello bag header, simply follow the steps above until you get to the card base. Then, use the Nesting Scallops to cut out a large circle. Score the circle down the middle and fold. Punch holes through the header and the bag, and tie it up with some cute baker’s twine. Fill with some fun seasonal candy for a cute “just because” gift!

I know you all probably want your own Epic 6 Tool and Letterpress Combo set now… so head on over to SIMPLE to read my review and ENTER TO WIN your own!

*Disclosure: I was provided with an Epic 6 Tool/Letterpress Combo and accessories to showcase and review. All opinions expressed are my own.